News Flash
MANIKGANJ, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - Eminent poet Jahanara Arzu died of old age complications at her Gulshan residence in Dhaka around 1:30 pm today.
She was 93, family sources said.
She is survived by two sons, one daughter, grandchildren, and numerous relatives and well wishers.
Jahanara Arzu was born in 1932 at her maternal uncle’s house in Jabra village under Ghior upazila of Manikganj district.
She was a talented poet in Bangladesh’s literary arena and was actively involved as an activist, organizer, and patron of various literary and social organizations.
Several of her poems were translated into English by Justice A.K.M. Nurul Islam.
Jahanara Arzu was the wife of AKM Nurul Islam, who served as a High Court judge, Law Minister, and Vice President of the country.
Nurul Islam was born in Khalilpur of Harirampur, while Arzu’s ancestral home was in Seota village of Manikganj town. They were regarded as a distinguished couple of Manikganj. Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is her son.
Arzu had long been suffering from various old age complications.
Her father was Afil Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury and her mother was Khodeja Khatun. After completing her primary and secondary education in Manikganj, she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Bangla Language and Literature from Eden Mohila College and University of Dhaka.
Arzu began writing since her adolescence. While studying in class eight, she created a handwritten magazine that drew wide attention. She received blessings from Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq and poet Kaykobad.
Her first poem was published in 1945 in “Mukul’s Mahfil” of the newspaper Azad. Later, she regularly contributed to various periodicals including Saogat, Mohammadi, Begum, Millat, and Ittehad.
In 1949, together with poet Sufia Kamal, she co-edited Sultana, the first women’s weekly of then East Pakistan, which holds historic significance in women-edited publications.
She later served as joint editor of Parikrama and was also associated with the TB Association’s fortnightly Health Bulletin and the literary magazine Setubandhan.
Her works reflect deep humanism, love, nature, and social realities. Expressing profound emotions in simple language was her distinctive strength.
Her notable books include Neel Swapna (1962), Roudra Jhora Gaan (1964), Shobuj Shobuj Obujh Mon, Amar Shobde Ajonmo Ami, Krondoshi Atmoja, Badol Meghe Madol Baje, and Shonitakto Akhar (1971), a self-selected collection of poems on Ekushey February. The film Meherjaan was based on her poetry.
In recognition of her contributions to Bangla literature, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1987. During her lifetime, she received 26 literary awards.
Her namaz-e-janaza was held after Maghrib at Gulshan Azad Mosque today. She was laid to rest beside her husband’s grave in Khalilpur village under Harirampur upazila of Manikganj after Tarawih prayers.
