Syed Atik: Jahanara Sattar, the mother of noted poet, journalist, human rights activist and founder of Bhinno Matra Prokashoni, Muhammad Masum Billah, passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment at Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka. She was 74.

She breathed her last in the early hours of September 2. Her death has cast a pall of grief over her family, relatives and the wider cultural, media and social communities.
Her first funeral prayer, or janaza, was held at 10am at the Central Jame Mosque in Uttara Sector 7, Dhaka. The prayer was led by her eldest son, Muhammad Masum Billah, founder and chief executive editor of Bhinno Matra Prokashoni.
A large number of local dignitaries, journalists from different media outlets, relatives and well-wishers attended the funeral prayer and paid their final respects to the deceased.
A second janaza was held after Asr prayers in her ancestral village home in Pirojpur. She was subsequently laid to rest at the family graveyard.
Jahanara Sattar was widely respected within her family for her dedication to raising and nurturing her children. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to bringing up accomplished children, she was honoured with the prestigious ‘Ratnagarbha Maa’ (Gem-Mother) award in 2025.
The honour reflected the important role she played as a mother and her contribution to shaping the lives and values of her children.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from leaders and representatives of various political, social, journalistic and educational institutions. They expressed deep sorrow at her death and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to Muhammad Masum Billah and other members of the bereaved family.
Family members and well-wishers have remembered Jahanara Sattar as a devoted mother whose life was defined by affection, sacrifice and commitment to her children.
Her death marks a profound personal loss for her family and for those who knew and respected her. She is survived by her children and other relatives.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji`un.