Sufia Kamal, a major literary figure, dedicated her life to achieving empowerment of women. She took part in democratic cultural movement throughout her life.

Born in Barisal in 1911, Sufia Kamal won many awards and accolades for her contribution to literature.

She passed away on November 20, 1999.

On the occasion of the poet's birth anniversary, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to the memory of the poet.

Begum Sufia Kamal played an important role in the language movement, Liberation War and cultural and democratic movement as a poet and freethinker, Hasina said in a statement yesterday.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad will hold a memorial lecture and cultural programme at BIAM auditorium in the city today to mark the day.

Noted litterateur Hasan Azizul Haque will deliver the lecture on 'Sufia Kamal and democratic movement'.