Author, ex-MP Panna Kaiser no more

Author and former member of parliament Panna Kaiser, wife of martyred intellectual Shahidullah Kaiser, passed away today. She was 73. 

She breathed her last this morning while receiving treatment at United Hospital in the capital, Abul Farah Palash, general secretary of Khelaghar Kendrio Sangsad, told The Daily Star.

The eminent author and cultural organiser was also mother of actress Shomi Kaiser.

With a life full of resilience, dedication, and advocacy for justice, her legacy will remain etched in the hearts of many.

Born on May 25, 1950, Panna Kaiser, originally known as Saifunnahar Chowdhury, led an impactful life through her active involvement with "Khelaghar", an organisation committed to nurturing a new generation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War.

She played a pivotal role in the trials of war criminals, contributing significantly to the pursuit of justice.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her condolences on Panna's passing. 

Panna married Shahidullah Kaiser in 1969. In 1971, he was picked up from his house by Al-Badr forces and never came back. Panna, undaunted by adversity, bravely assumed the responsibility of caring for her family and children in her husband's absence. Her determination did not end there, as she went on to complete her post-graduation in Bengali at Dhaka University and embarked on a career in the teaching profession.

Throughout her life, Panna Kaiser made significant contributions to literature and politics. She was a prominent member of "Khelaghar" since 1973 and became its head in 1990. Additionally, she served as the president of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpighosti.

In recognition of her dedication to Liberation War-based research, she received the prestigious Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2021.

Recently, popular actress Bidya Sinha Mim has been gearing up to play the role of Panna Kaiser in her upcoming film "Digonte Fuler Agun".