Renowned freedom fighter, artist, and educator Saida Kamal was laid to rest with full state honors at the Azimpur graveyard in the capital on Tuesday afternoon. A well-equipped contingent of the Bangladesh Police presented a guard of honor to the late freedom fighter before her burial, in the presence of her grieving family members and well-wishers.
Saida Kamal, the youngest daughter of the legendary poet and writer Sufia Kamal, passed away last Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. She was 74 years old at the time of her death and had been suffering from pneumonia and complex kidney-related ailments. Her demise has cast a pall of deep sorrow across the cultural and freedom fighter communities of the country.
Following her passing, her body was initially kept at the BIRDEM Hospital mortuary. On Tuesday morning, the mortal remains were taken to her residence 'Sanjher Maya' in Dhanmondi, where relatives and admirers gathered to pay their final respects. Her funeral prayers (Janaza) were held at the Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi following the Zuhr prayers, drawing a large gathering of people from various walks of life.
Born in Dhaka in 1952, Saida Kamal grew up in a vibrant cultural environment. She earned her graduation degree in drawing and painting from the Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka. Her artistic career was illustrious, featuring numerous solo and group art exhibitions both at home and abroad that earned critical acclaim.
During the Liberation War of 1971, Saida Kamal made remarkable contributions. She travelled to Tripura, India, alongside her elder sister, prominent human rights activist Sultana Kamal, to serve at the Bangladesh Field Hospital established for wounded freedom fighters. For her dedicated service during the war, she received a special commendation letter from the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Forces.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, she contributed significantly as an educator, nurturing young minds in the realm of fine arts. Her passing marks the loss of a patriotic soul and a talented artist, but her inspiring legacy and dedication to the nation will remain eternally cherished.
