A memorial programme marking the 12th death anniversary of Dhaka University Professor Noorunnahar Fyzennessa, an educationist and women's rights activist, was held at the Daily Star-Bengal Arts Precinct yesterday.

DU Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, actor Syed Hasan Imam, writer-publisher Mafidul Haque, cultural personality Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury; Brac University Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Saad Andaleeb, former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, Rakhi Das Purkayastha of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Prof Sharifa Khatun and Prof Salma Akhter of DU, Haqqani  Mission Bangladesh patron Khaleda Khanam Runu, and Central Women's University Registrar Ferdous Ali, among others, spoke on the occasion.

"My first and important proposal to the state is for awarding Dr Nurunnahar Fyzennessa with 'Begum Rokeya Padak' for her role in upholding, establishing and disseminating the philosophy and ideals of Begum Rokeya in enhancing women's education and establishing their rights," said Prof Salma Akhter.

An active proponent of women's rights, Dr Noorunnahar Fyzennessa was provost of Rokeya Hall, the first elected woman member of DU syndicate, the first female member of Pay Commission and president of Dhaka City Mahila Parishad.

A documentary, featuring life and works of Prof Noorunnahar, was screened at the beginning of the programme.