ZCZC
BSS-24
CANDLE-LIGHT-OBSERVANCE-RAKHI
Candlelight vigil, two-minute silence observed in honor of Rakhi Das
DHAKA, April 10, 2020 (BSS)- Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) leaders and
workers observed a candlelight vigil this evening staying at their respective
homes to pay homage to memories of valiant freedom fighter Rakhi Das
Purkayastha, joint general secretary of BMP.
A two-minute silence was also observed at 7:00pm simultaneously across the
country by members of central body and district units of the leading
organization working for woman rights, a BMA spokesperson told BSS.
Purkayastha died of liver cirrhosis on Monday at Apollo Hospitals in
Guwahati, capital of Indian state of Assam, at the age of 68.
Her body was cremated at a Guwahati crematorium at 12 noon (Bangladesh
Time) on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad announced a three-day mourning at
her death.
Purkayastha is survived by her husband, relatives and a host of well-
wishers and admirers. Veteran politician Pankaj Bhattacharya is her husband.
Purkayastha, a valiant freedom fighter, had played active role in different
democratic and progressive movements of the country.
She joined Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in 1976 and served different
positions, including Dhaka city unit’s general secretary and central
committee organizing secretary.
She served as Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation Joint
Secretary and joined legal profession after her retirement from the
corporation.
During her student life, she was involved with Bangladesh Chhatra Union.
She was elected vice-president (VP) of Eden College Students’ Union for
three consecutive terms and later she was also elected VP of Shamsun Nahar
Hall Students Union of Dhaka University.
BSS/MKD/KU/2005 HRS