People from all walks of life paid their last respects to Professor Panna Kaiser, also a former lawmaker and wife of martyred intellectual Shahidullah Kaiser, by placing wreaths on her coffin at Central Shaheed Minar in the capital on Sunday.
Politicians, cultural activists, artistes, educationists and people from other backgrounds recalled the contribution of Panna Kaiser, who died on Friday morning at the age of 73, during the two-hour ceremony on the Shaheed Minar premises. They also signed the condolence book.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md. Akhtaruzzaman said Panna Kaiser played a key role in doing the groundwork for bringing the anti-liberation communal forces to book.
Workers’ Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon, Awami League’s Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee President Shahriar Kabir, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, theatre personalities Ramendu Majumder and Nasiruddin Yousuf, actors Ferdous Ahmed and Afsana Mimi, among others, were present.
When Panna Kaiser’s mortal remains was brought to Shaheed Minar, the members of her own organisation Kendrio Khelaghor Asor paid their last respects to her covering the body with the flag of Khelaghor.
Besides, last respects were paid on behalf of Ganatantri Party, Bangladesh United Nations Association, Sector Commanders’ Forum, central cultural committee of Bangladesh Awami League, Dhansindi Communications, Sammilito Samajik Andolan, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Dhaka Theatre, Sampriti Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Sangskritik Mancho, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad, Bangladesh Gana Azadi League, Mahila Awami League, Bangabandhu Lekhak Parishad, Chayanaut, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Prajanma Ekattor.
Panna Kaiser’s daughter Shomi Kaiser, a celebrated actress, and other family members were present.
