Friend leaves PM in mourning

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overcome with grief when she went to see her classmate and long-time friend AN Mahfuza Khatun Baby Maudud for the last time at a hospital in the city.

At the news of her death on Friday afternoon, the prime minister rushed to United Hospital in Gulshan. She spent some time beside the deceased and consoled the grieving family members.

While consoling Maudud's sons Rabiul Hasan Avi and Shafiul Hasan Dipto, she became overwhelmed herself. She assured them of her continued support.

Hasina's Special Assistant Mahbubul Haque Shakil told bdnews24.com that the prime minister was deeply grieved by the loss of her long-time friend.

Veteran journalist, writer, social worker, women rights activist and former MP Baby Maudud died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 66.

Before her London tour, Hasina had gone to the hospital to spend some time with Maudud.

Maudud was the bdnews24.com Social Affairs Editor. bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi was present at the hospital on Friday.

Professor Anisuzzaman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam too rushed to the hospital at the news of Maudud's death.

The prime minister was accompanied by her son-in-law Khandaker Mashrur Hossain and her Special Assistant Mahbubul Haque Shakil.

Her Deputy Press Secretary Ashraful Alam Khokan was also present there.

Maudud was born in Kolkata on June 23, 1948.

Beginning her career as a journalist in 1967, Baby Maudud worked for the BBC, Daily Sangbad, Ittefaq, BSS, and Weekly Bichitra before joining bdnews24.com.

She was elected to a reserved women's seat in the Ninth Parliament on Awami League's nomination.