Mahfuza Khanam

Mahfuza Khanam (14 April 1946 – 12 August 2025) was a Bangladeshi academic and social activist. She was the president of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh from 2018 to 2021. She was awarded Begum Rokeya Padak, Anannya Top Ten Awards (2013) and Ekushey Padak (2021)

She attended Bangla Bazar Girls’ School and graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in physics from University of Dhaka in 1966 and 1967. In 2009, Khanam served as the General Secretary of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

Khanam served as the director general of Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education. She served as the chairperson of Khelaghar Ashor, an organisation for children. She was also the president of several organisations including Manikganj Samity in Dhaka, Peshajibi Nari Samaj (Professional Women Society) and Federation of World Teachers' Association (FWTA). She was a vice-president on the executive committee of the Itihas Academy. She also served as 15th Principal of Manikgonj Government Women's College, Manikgonj.

Personal life and death In 1969, she married Shafique Ahmed, and had three children.

Award Begum Mahfuza Khanom was awarded Ekushey Padak, the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh. In 2021, The Ministry of Cultural Affairs gave the award to 21 distinguished citizens of the country for outstanding contributions in their respective fields. She got the award for contributions in education.