Husne Ara Kamal

Husne Ara Kamal (; 20 December 1934 – 16 April 2009) was a Bangladeshi academic, philanthropist, and social worker who made significant contributions to social welfare and women's empowerment in Bangladesh throughout her career. She worked as a lecturer and later became the director and a professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Kamal was also an accomplished author and published several books on women and gender issues, as well as books for children. She was an accomplished academic, earning post-graduate degrees from Dhaka University, Bedford College, and a master's degree in social science from Columbia University in the US in 1979.

Career Kamal started her career as a lecturer at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, formerly known as Social Welfare College, of Dhaka University in 1960. During this time, she was also the principal of Purana Paltan Girls' College in Dhaka. By 1966, Kamal had earned a reputation for her writings on children's literature.

After the independence of Bangladesh, she focused on women's empowerment, publishing several books on the topic, including Women in Distress and Women in Charge of Household. Kamal became increasingly concerned about the impact of overpopulation on the country. She wrote Family Life Education as a Factor in Promoting Family including Family Planning in which she detailed steps in educating women and dealing with the sociological aspects of this subject.

In 1991, she was appointed as the director of the institute and was promoted to the rank of professor in 1994. She retired from her position in 2001.

Awards In recognition of her services, she was awarded the 'Ratnagarva Ma' award in September 2004.

Personal life Kamal married Chief Justice Mustafa Kamal, son of Abbasuddin Ahmed, on 14 December 1956. They had three daughters, Nashid Kamal, Naeela K Sattar, and Nazeefa Monem. Ismail Sattar, son of M. A. Sattar and ASM Mainuddin Monem, son of Abdul Monem are her son-in-laws. Her granddaughter, Armeen Musa is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and composer. Throughout her life, Kamal dedicated herself to serving society, leaving behind a legacy that inspires many.