‘Ordinary in living, extraordinary in work’

She lived an ordinary life, but became extraordinary to all by dint of her deeds.

This was the comment about journalist, writer and former MP AN Mahfuza Khatun Baby Maudud made by speakers at a remembrance meeting on Monday.

Women leaders, researchers, professors and Baby Maudud’s elder son spoke at the discussion held at Bangla Academy.

The Social Affairs Editor of bdnews24.com, she died on July 25 in Dhaka after a long battle with cancer.

The speakers said she would put in more efforts for others’ cause than for hers.

Baby Maudud’s elder son Robiul Hasan Ovi said: “My mother tried to stay in the path of honesty all her life and I’m glad that she succeeded.”

Photojournalist Pavel Rahman said Maudud was such a person who always sought ways to help others.

“I’m fortunate to have a sister like her. She is the reason I could snap beautiful pictures,” he said.

Publisher Osman Gani said Maudud was firm as a leader.

“She was a simple person who’ll always remain among us with her head held high.”

Mahila Parisad Vice-President Makhduma Nargis, who knew her for 47 years, said Baby Maudud always played a strong role for justice.

“She had a firm character and uncompromising attitude. Greed could never touch her.

“Baby Maudud was a true human being, something that’s rare now-a-days,” she said.

Reflecting on her university life, bdnews24.com Arts Editor poet Muhammad Nurul Huda said: “Baby Maudud always worked with great sincerity. This great lady never deviated from morality.”

He urged the Bangla Academy to publish her biography.

Prof Muntasir Mamun said Baby Maudud was never obsessed with her own wellbeing.

“Baby Maudud played a leading role in bringing out the writer in Prime Minister [Sheikh Hasina],” he said.

“I haven’t heard that she ever exploited her close relationship with the prime minister.”

A paper titled ‘Baby Maudud is there and will be there’ written by Mahila Parisad former general secretary Maleka Begum was presented at the meeting.