Mokbula Manzoor

Makbula Manzoor delivering a speech at a conference hosted by Bangladesh Federation of University Women. Makbula Manzoor or Mokbula Manzoor (; 14 September 1938 – 3 July 2020) was a Bangladeshi author and novelist. Her literary works are considered to have played a significant role in the creation of modern Bangladeshi literature. Author Syedur Rahman cites her together with Akhtaruzzaman Ilias, Selina Hossain and Hasan Hafizur Rahman as one of the notable contributors to modern Bangladeshi literature.

Makbula Manzoor is noted for writing from a woman's perspective in a male-dominated society; her 1998 novel Kaler Mandira is one such example, and references female exploitation during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. She is considered to be an outstanding Bangladeshi female writer, inspired by the events which led to the creation of the country in 1971. Makbula is renowned for her novels, short stories and articles. A superb story-teller, Makbula has skillfully portrayed the socio-political history of Bangladesh and the endless struggle of ordinary men and women. She dedicated her writing to both children and adolescents, as well as adult fiction. Makbula received many national awards in recognition of her contribution to Bengali literature.

As a professor of Bengali literature, Makbula taught generations of students.

Early life and education Makbula Manzoor was born on 14 September 1938 in the city of Kalna, Bardhaman district, where her father was stationed as a Police Officer. Bardhaman was situated in the undivided India, now located in West Bengal.

Makbula spent most of her childhood years amongst the lush green fields, rivers and open skies of northern Bengal.

The nature of her father's police duties required the family to move throughout northern Bengal; across the Bogra, Pabna and Dinajpur districts. As a consequence of her father's various postings, Makbula attended many schools.

Makbula's early schooling took place across northern Bengal. She matriculated from Bindubasini Girls' High School in Tangail. Later, she completed her higher secondary schooling at Rajshahi College.

Makbula completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eden Girls College. She obtained her master's degree in Bangla Literature at the University of Dhaka. Bangla Academy Literary Award (2006) Ananya Literary Award (2007) Bangladesh Children's Academy Award (2010)