In 2023, she received the Begum Rokeya Padak of the government of Bangladesh for her special contribution to the establishment of women's rights.

[1][2][3][4][5] She received the 'Developing Countries Award 1995' from the Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany in recognition of her contribution to improving health status of women and children.

Akhter received the award for her outstanding contribution to raising awareness on family planning and population issues.

[7] Akhtar is the founder and director of the Reproductive Health Research Institute of Bangladesh.

She served as the Director General of the largest family planning organization in Bangladesh.