Tag Archives: Muslim Women of Assam

Assam Polls 2026: New assembly to have 22 Muslim MLAs

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ASSAM :

The newly elected 126-member Assam Assembly will have a total of 22 Muslim MLAs, according to the Election Commission data released after counting of votes Monday May 04, 2026.

Assam Assembly Election Results 2026: 

The newly elected 126-member Assam Assembly will have a total of 22 Muslim MLAs, according to the Election Commission data released after counting of votes Monday May 04, 2026.

The number of Muslim MLAs in the Assam assembly formed after the 2026 state polls is 09 less than the last time when 31 Muslims had won.

As many as 18 Muslim MLAs elected to the Assam assembly are from the Indian National Congress (INC). Interestingly, the Congress has won only 19 seats, and 18 of them are Muslims. The Congress had 30 MLAs in the last assembly.

Other Muslim MLAs elected to the Assam assembly in the 2026 polls are 02 from AIUDF (13 less than 2021), and 01 each from Raijar Dal (RJRD) and Trinamool Congresss.

List of Muslim MLAs in Assam

Following is the complete list of Muslims MLAs in Assam along with the constituencies they represent.

Congress

  1. MD ASHRAFUL ISLAM SHEIKH (PARBATJHORA)
  2. ABDUS SOBAHAN ALI SARKAR (GAURIPUR)
  3. BABY BEGUM (DHUBRI)
  4. WAZED ALI CHOUDHURY (BIRSING JARUA)
  5. Mohibur Rohman Bappy (MANKACHAR)
  6. AFTAB UDDIN MOLLAH (JALESHWAR)
  7. ABUL KALAM RASHEED ALAM (GOALPARA EAST)
  8. MD. NURUL ISLAM (SRIJANGRAM)
  9. ABDUR RAHIM AHMED (CHENGA)
  10. JAKIR HUSSAIN SIKDAR (PAKABETBARI)
  11. REKIBUDDIN AHMED (CHAMARIA)
  12. DR ASIF MOHAMMAD NAZAR (LAHARIGHAT)
  13. NURUL HUDA (RUPAHIHAT)
  14. TANZIL HUSSAIN (SAMAGURI)
  15. AMINUL HAQUE LASKAR (SONAI)
  16. ZUBAIR ANAM MAZUMDE (ALGAPUR-KATLICHERRA)
  17. JAKARIA AHMED (KARIMGANJ NORTH)
  18. AMINUR RASHID CHOUDHURY (KARIMGANJ SOUTH)

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)

  1. MAZIBUR RAHMAN (DALGAON)
  2. MOHAMMED BADRUDDIN AJMAL (BINNAKANDI)

Raijar Dal (RJRD)

  1. MEHBOOB MUKTAR (DHING)

All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)

  1. SHERMAN ALI AHMED (MANDIA)

Assam Assembly Elections 2026: Final Result

In Assam, the ruling BJP has retained power winning 82 of the total 126 seats in the Assam Assembly – 23 seats more than the party’s tally 59 in the 2021 Assam State Polls, as per the final result of the 2026 Assam Assembly Polls.

The Congress has won a total of 19 seats – 11 less than its tally in 2021. On the other hand, the AIUDF, which has won 16 seats in the 2021, has won just 02 seats in the 2026 state elections.

The Congress and AIUDF had contested the 2021 Assam Elections forming an alliance, which had together won a total of 49 seats. The two parties fought the 2026 election separately, and could together won just 21 seats.

Interestingly, most of the assembly constituencies the Congress party has won in 2026 were earlier represented by the AIUDF, indicating that the Muslim voters preferred Congress over Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi’s AIUDF.

In 2021, the BJP had 01 Muslim MLA. However, the party had not fielded any Muslim candidate in the 2026 Assam Polls.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Ummid.com news network / May 05th, 2026

Begum Akhtara Ahmed is first Muslim woman elected to Bodoland Council

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bodoland, ASSAM :

Begum Akhtara Ahmed during her election campaign

For the first time, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), led by Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary, has a Muslim woman as an elected executive member. As Muslims in BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts) had been feeling marginalised for a long time, a Muslim woman’s election to a council is significant and historic.

BTC is the governing autonomous council of BTAD, aka BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region), comprising Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur of Assam as districts. It was formed following the peace treaty with the Bodoland Liberation Front in February 2003. BTAD covers an area of over 9000 square kilometres and is predominantly inhabited by the Bodo people and other tribal communities of Assam.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed has been elected from Mathanguri constituency of the BTC and inducted into Mohilary’s cabinet. She has been bestowed with the responsibility of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. Regional political party BPF won the single largest party majority in the BTC elections held in September 2025 with 28 seats.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed and  Hagrama Mohilary

Incumbent UPPL won seven seats and the BJP won five seats in the 40-seat council. The BTC was formed in 2003, and Hagrama Mohilary has been in power for the past five years.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed of the BTC had no aim or desire to be in politics as she wanted to be a litterateur. But destiny has another script for her life.

Begum Akhtara was born in the Kalgachia area of Barpeta district. She got her primary education in Kalgachia. She was married while studying in Class VII.

Her husband, Ibrahim Ali Molla, recently retired as a higher secondary school teacher. Begum Akhtara could pursue her education. Her first child was born while she was in Class X. She passed her matriculation examination under such circumstances.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed addressing a political rally

Her second child was born while she was in Class XII. Begum Akhtara continued her education and completed her postgraduate degree from Gauhati University in 2003.

She joined Langla College in the Bangaigaon district as a part-time lecturer, but quit soon. She got involved in politics. She joined the Congress and was appointed as the organising secretary of the Barpeta District Women’s Congress.

Since her matrimonial home is in Lawahur village of Mathanguri constituency in Baksa district, she changed her address and became the president of the Baksa District Women’s Congress. She joined the BPF in 2004.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

This is where her new political journey and new life of conflicts begin. Party chief Mohilary formed the women’s wing of the BPF, and she was appointed its president.

After three years as the women’s BPF president, she was appointed as the party’s organising secretary by party president Hagrama Mohilary.

She contested the 2020 BTC elections for the first time and was defeated by the BJP’s Gautam Das in the Mathanguri constituency. This time, however, Begum Akhtara contested from the same constituency for the second time and defeated the same opponent.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed was attacked and her house was torched in the once-violent BTC. She was even threatened and asked to stay away from politics in the BTC.  Once, while she was busy with a political meeting, her car was set on fire at the venue, and she barely survived.

Begum Akhtara Ahmed with activists of her party at a rally

Begum Akhtara Ahmed said three of her cars were set on fire in 2012. It may be mentioned that several incidents of attacks on minorities took place in the BTC in 2012. Most of the attacks took place in the Baksa district, from where many minorities were forced to flee their homes. Several people were even brutally murdered.

However, all this could not distract her from her goals and objectives.

Praising her leader, Hagrama Mohilary, Begum Akhtar said he wants the Bodo people to move forward along with all ethnic groups. So she is happy to work under the leadership of Mohilary.

According to Begum Akhtara, BTC is a small place. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on the governments at the Centre and in the state to work for its development. Otherwise, developmental work may be interrupted. “We don’t have to look at which party’s government is at the Centre or in the State, we have to work with that government in coordination,” she said.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Priya Sarma, Guwahati / October 27th, 2025

Historic GIO Cadre Meet Held in Guwahati

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Guwahati, ASSAM :

Guwahati:

In a milestone for the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO), the first-ever cadre meet for GIO Assam North took place in Guwahati, marking a new chapter in the organization’s efforts to empower young women in the region.

Under the patronage of Zahida Batul, Secretary of JIH Assam North Women’s Wing, GIO has been making strides in Assam over the past few years. The event commenced with the recitation of the Quran by Sumiya Begom, setting a spiritual tone for the day-long program.

Zahida Batul, the GIO Assam North Coordinator, delivered the inaugural speech, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering leadership among young women. The gathering featured an invaluable address on the “Purpose of Life” by Khan Shaheen, Vice-President of the National Federation of Girls Islamic Organisation (NFGIO).

Dr. Aamna Khanam, Secretary of NFGIO, followed with a presentation on “GIO: Aims and Objectives & Organisational Setup,” outlining the structure and mission of the GIO.

Khan Shaheen further introduced the NFGIO, detailing its functions and activities, which aim to promote education and empowerment for girls across the nation.

Dr. Aamna Khanam also delivered a speech on the “Etiquette of Organisational Life,” highlighting the importance of discipline and collaboration within the GIO framework.

The open session featured esteemed guests, including Prof. Zohurul Islam Mullah, Ameer-e-Halqua; and Bazlul Basit Choudhury, Halqa Office Secretary and HRD Secretary, who delivered valuable insights.

Ameer-e-Halqua JIH Assam North congratulated the newly elected Convener and Core Committee Members, encouraging them to lead with dedication and vision.

Following detailed discussions, an Ad-hoc Coordination Committee for GIO Assam North was formed to advance the organization’s objectives.

The committee includes:

Convener: Jubaida Khatun (Tezpur) – MA in Political Science and Sociology, currently a lecturer at a private college.

Co-convener: Sujana Sultana (Guwahati) – Bachelor of Optometry, working in primary eye care.

Core Committee Members:

Selima Akhtara (Goalpara) – MA (Double), M.Ed., currently principal of a private HS school.

Jinnatara Yeasmin (Darrang) – BDS First Year student.

Sumaiya Begom (Hojai) – HS Final Year student.

The concluding remarks were delivered by Khan Shaheen, who reiterated the importance of unity and proactive engagement in the community.

This historic gathering not only strengthened the foundation of GIO in Assam but also ignited a sense of purpose among the participants, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at empowering girls across the region.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 29th, 2024

Nargis, Hafiza and working hard against poverty, society to become doctors

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Dalgaon (Darrang District), ASSAM :

Nargis Sultana being felicitated by her neighbours after her she scored a distinction in her matriculation examinations

The academic success of the daughter of a Maulana in Assam’s Darrang district has revealed the determination of Indian Muslim women to defeat adversities and break stereotypes for giving wings to their dreams.

Nargis Sultana, the daughter of a Maulana who passed the High School Leaving Certificate Examination or Matriculation examination in 2022 with distinction despite facing various challenges, studies for more than 12 hours to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.

Nargis is the second daughter of Samsher Ali and Nasira Khatoon, residents of Kachari Bheti in Dalgaon in the Darrang district.

Born in a very backward and remote area, Nargis had to walk 5-6 km daily from her home and cross a river to reach her school for her primary education.

Being the daughter of a Maulana, many residents in her village asked her to learn Islamic textbooks including the Holy Quran instead of going to school for modern education. But Nargis was determined to go to school and her parents backed her.

Maulana Shamsher Ali (Left), the father of Nargis (In white dress) and his family

Nargis Sultana told Awaz-the Voice, “I was a student of Anandaram Barua Academy in Siliguri when I appeared for the Matric examination or Class X final in 2022. Besides my hard work and dedication, I want to give credit to the teachers for my success. After knowing my poor financial background they (teachers) helped me to continue my education.”

Anandaram Barua Academy did not charge any fee and provided free tuition from Nargis for her education from the Class ninth and Tenth.

In the Matric exam 2022 Nargis scored 96 (out of 100 marks) in Social Science, 95 in Mathematics, 92 in Assamese, 90 in Elective Subjects, 90 in English, and 78 in General Science.

Nargis got is studying at Ajmal College in Hojai and pursuing a science stream for her higher secondary examination.

“Many people and teachers have helped me financially to continue my education. They have pinned high hopes on me. So, I cannot disappoint them. I am studying more than 10 hours daily so that I can excel in 12th stands due next year. I want to become a doctor. I will try to become a gynecologist and serve the poor people in rural areas by reducing maternal and infant mortality rates among them,” Nargis said.

Nasira Khatoon while expressing gratitude to the almighty Allah and those who have helped her daughter to continue her education, said she is hopeful that “Nargis will become a successful doctor in the future to serve humanity.”

Hafiza Begum (Left) being felicitated

Similarly, another Muslim girl student from Dalgaon in Darrang district Hafiza Begum has also proved that poverty cannot be an obstacle to academic excellence.

Hafiza, daughter of e-rickshaw driver Habib Ullah, has told Awaz- The Voice that she had passed the Matriculation examination from Adarsh Jatiya Vidyalaya, Dalgaon by securing distinction marks.

Hafiza is determined to become a doctor and later prepare for the Union Civil Service Examination.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Munni Begum, Guwahati / May 05th, 2023

Waheeda Rahman revived traditional Assamese jewellery and started a venture

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ASSAM:

Jewellery designer and enterpreneur Waheeda Rahman

National award-winning Waheeda Rahman not only sells traditional Assamese jewellery she also extricated the traditional jewelry from the brink of extinction by designing the same. 

Today Waheeda is a brand of traditional jewellery and her creations glitter in national and international markets.     

Traditional jewellery is the pride of Assamese culture as it has its unique features and values. Unfortunately, many traditional pieces were about to be lost to posterity – some have already vanished – when Waheeda intervened.

awaz
One of the jewellery pieces designed by Waheeda Rahman

Made of gold and lac, many traditional jewellery items were somewhat heavier and lacked resale value, so people reduced their use. Instead, they resorted to imported jewellery. 

As a result, the popularity of Assamese jewellery gradually declined.

Nearly three decades ago Waheeda Rahman started her journey of looking for the lost and extinct ornament designs of Assam. 

She travelled across Assam and collected the designs from Satras, manuscripts/ Sanchipaat, and Tai-Phake museum. 

She was shocked to find that most of them had become extinct from the market. Only 12 designs were still prevalent which included Motalukaporia, Kornoxingho, and Nogortul.

Waheeda Rahman with eminent personalities of Assam

“Since my childhood, I had a fascination for designs. I used to draw patterns on my Mathematics copy and later got caught by my teacher. Even though Mathematics was never my favourite subject, the teacher was my favorite. I used to admire the designs that I saw on the saris that my teacher wore. Then, I wasn’t quite sure that I would step into designing. But I was confident of doing something big for my Assam. Such confidence and determination have made me what I am today,” Waheeda Rahman told Awaz-The Voice.

Waheeda did in-depth research on Assamese traditional ornaments, their preparative techniques, and the causes that led to their disappearance. 

She later brought all the traditional jewellery pieces to the market. Waheeda applied a new technique for quality and yet never compromised with the original design.

“The processing makes a lot of difference. Diverting from the conventional technique of using gold or silver over lac, I make ornaments of pure gold or silver because lac degrades the quality of the minerals. My jewellery with innovative designs might be a little expensive, but it is an investment for a lifetime,” Waheeda said.

Waheeda not only revived traditional Assamese jewelry but also created more than 500 new designs. Some of her original designs include the Nangol, Jakoi, and Khaloi, designs made out of motifs of different tribes, buds of tea leaves, the mist in Sohra (Cherapunjee), and the Kopou Ful among many others.

Waheeda now runs a boutique “Waheeda Lifestyle Studio” where she not only sells traditional Assamese jewellery but also traditional dresses. 

She exports her jewellery to all major cities in India as well as New York, London, Australia, Germany, and several other European and Southeast Asian countries. She has created employment for many young boys and girls in the field of jewellery business.

Jewellery crafted by Waheeda Rahman

Waheeda’s journey from being a rescuer of Assamese jewellery, designer, and entrepreneur was not easy but full of challenges. 

“Initially the people did not accept my jewellery saying that it are not traditional. For the initial years, I had no buyers and faced severe financial difficulties to pay my craftsmen. Moreover, many people have a prejudiced mindset that girls cannot be in the jewellery business. It is a male bastion,” the President’s medal winner Waheeda said. 

But Waheeda’s work was appreciated and she was able to bring a revolution in the market of traditional Assamese jewellery.

“Jewellery designing is like miniature sculpture. It is not only about making one look good. It should bring forth the personality of a particular individual,” Waheeda said. “And for doing that, a lot of creativity goes into the metals.”

Waheeda is now planning to set up a school to train the younger generation to design and preserve traditional Assamese jewellery for the future.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Daulat Rahman & Munni Begum, Guwahati / October 28th, 2023

A lost gold ring and a debt paid off 55 years later

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Dhaiali (Sivasagar District), ASSAM:

Former national discus throw champion Tayabun Nisha traced her childhood friend Julekha to return a gold ring the latter had lost in school back in 1967.

Tayabun Nisha (left) and Julekha
Tayabun Nisha (left) and Julekha

Guwahati :

When these two friends met after five decades, one paid off a debt never asked for and acted like the champion that she is.

Former national discus throw champion Tayabun Nisha felt heavy at the burden of an almost weightless finger ring of her friend Julekha, lost way back in 1967 at their Dhai Ali Girls’ High School in Assam’s Sivasagar.

More than 55 years later, Tayabun traced Julekha and arranged a reunion to reclaim those golden years that far outweigh the little ring. She gave her friend an envelope containing Rs 12,000 – the value of the ring.

“We were possibly students of class 7 or 8. Julekha was from an affluent family and she would come to school wearing gold jewellery. One day, she lost her finger ring in the class,” Tayabun, the first Assamese woman athlete to represent India in several international events, said recalling the incident.

“I used to go to school early to play games in the field. Those days, we had to clean our classroom. So, while cleaning it the next morning, I found the ring Julekha lost. However, I didn’t return it for the fear that I might be accused of stealing it and took it home. In due course, my father died and we faced a lot of financial difficulties. Perhaps, it was then that the ring was sold off by my family,” Tayabun said.

As time rolled by, the two friends lost contacts with each other and Tayabun landed a job in the railways in the sports quota but she was mentally disturbed all along.

“I used to think that since I cannot return that very ring to her, I will give her its value when I meet her. I thought I can expiate that way,” Tayabun, who has retired from service, said.

“But I had no idea about her whereabouts. So, I sought the help of my sister. After talking to a whole lot of people, she learnt where Julekha lives. Once I got her number, I called her up to say I would visit her. When I met her (on Tuesday), I told her everything. She initially refused to accept the value that I gave for the ring,” Tayabun said.

She said she would not have got the peace of mind if she had failed to locate Julekha and pay off the debt.

The softspoken Julekha was equally overjoyed to meet Tayabun after decades. “I feel happy that she came. I almost forgot her but she remembered me,” Julekha said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prasanta Mazumdar / Express News Service / March 24th, 2023