ahmed was married to hamida khanom, who was one of the very few early muslim graduates (i.a. and b.a.) from bethune college, calcutta. she completed her m.a. from calcutta university, and then a second b.a. (hons.) from university college london. she retired as principal of home economics college, dhaka. hamida provided support and inspiration to ahmed in his professional career throughout their long 60 years of married life.