Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has marked the 10th anniversary of Saima Hall, a residential facility established a decade ago to provide free accommodation, meals, and quality higher education to underprivileged female students from remote regions of the country. Among private universities in Bangladesh, Saima Hall remains the first residential hostel offering such fully funded support exclusively for disadvantaged women students.

A special event was held on Saturday (29 November 2025) at IUB’s Bashundhara campus to celebrate the milestone. Students currently residing at Saima Hall – enrolled across various departments at IUB – performed music and dance at the celebration.

Saima Hall began its journey in 2015 with eight students, occupying the top five floors of a nine-storey building owned by the family of A Matin Chowdhury, Member of the IUB Board of Trustees. The building is located in J Block, Baridhara, Dhaka. Over the past 10 years, the number of residential students has increased to 50.

The hall is funded by the Shaheed Khalek and Major Salek Bir Uttam Trust, established by the family of A Matin Chowdhury. IUB Trustee Salma Karim oversees all hall operations, supported by a committee comprising IUB officials working under her guidance.

Speakers at the anniversary event included Trustee A Matin Chowdhury, Trustee Salma Karim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Didar A. Husain, Trustee Towhid Samad, Trustee Wazed Ali Khan Panni, Trustee Rashed Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Tamim, and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel W. Lund. Trustee Mohammad Tanvir Madar and Trustee Dr. Husne Ara Ali were also present.

During the programme, it was informed that Saima Hall students study at IUB with a 100% scholarship. Their accommodation, meals, and furniture expenses are covered by the Trust, while IUB bears all utility and maintenance costs, including electricity, water, gas, internet, and upkeep.

Over the past decade, nearly 70 female students have completed their education at IUB while residing in Saima Hall. All of them come from disadvantaged families in remote and economically marginalised regions of Bangladesh. Many alumni are now employed at leading institutions in the banking, information technology, and other sectors, both in Bangladesh and abroad. Several have also pursued higher studies in countries including the United States, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Malaysia.

Alumna Atika Humayra, who received the award of top performer of IUB’s School of Engineering Technology and Sciences at the 25th Convocation, said, “Saima Hall is not just a residence, it’s a family. A safe space where students grow without any limits.”

Saima Binte Rashid, a current student of Saima Hall from the Department of Global Studies and Governance, said, “Saima Hall provides a significant advantage for students who come from other districts. The hall ensures safety and facilities that support uninterrupted learning and personal growth.”

Trustee A Matin Chowdhury announced that Saima Hall will soon be expanded to the remaining floors of the building so that more students, who need it the most, could be accommodated. To the students of Saima Hall, he said, “You have all come from outside Dhaka. Do not forget the people who live in the places that you come from, because you have a responsibility towards them.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Didar A. Husain said, “Saima Hall is a jewel in our crown because we are able to help underprivileged students to come and shine, to lead a life of respect and dignity.” To the residents of Saima Hall, he said, “Wherever you go, whatever you do, try to help others. In our society, we lack empathy. We cannot just think of us only, we have to think about everyone, because everyone’s success is our success.”

Trustee Salma Karim said, “Today we are celebrating not just a milestone marked by time, we are celebrating a decade of opportunity, empowerment, and transforming lives, supported by Shaheed Khalek and Major Salek Bir Uttam Trust.”

Trustee Towhid Samad said, “This morning when I came here, all my worries about the future of the country went away. I felt young and youthful again. Saima Hall tells me there’s hope for this country. IUB’s excellence and standing in society is reflected through Saima Hall.”

Trustee Rashed Chowdhury said, “When we look at so many girls who have passed out from Saima Hall, it makes us feel good and that our life has been worthwhile. When I was growing up, I always used to hear that there is more pleasure in giving than receiving; now I know it sure is.

Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Tamim said, “Efforts such as Saima Hall help us break what is known as the ‘glass ceiling’, the barriers that society imposes on us. We need help, support and encouragement. Saima has been providing accommodation, food and education to students who may not have moved forward otherwise. I encourage the current students of Saima Hall to make the most out of this opportunity, so that they can build their own lives and help their families and help the country.”

In his vote of thanks, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel W. Lund said, “Celebratory events like this show tangible results of an initiative that started 10 years ago. When I visited Saima Hall, I saw so many smiles, so many happy and contented students. We hope that you will maintain meaningful relationships for the rest of your careers and lives.”

The event was co-anchored by Syeda Shabnam Afroze and Tasnia Tabassum Prothoma, both current residents of Saima Hall. Musical performances were presented by Ummay Habiba Islam, Moumita Shee Diya, Zarin Afrin Nabila, Sadia Taslima, Moumita Chakroborti, and Kripa Chakma with support from the IUB Music Club. Dance performances were presented by Faria Islam Dona, Impa Khatun, and Kripa Chakma.

At the event, IUB Board of Trustees presented complimentary copies of Begum Rokeya’s timeless short story Sultana’s Dream to all the residents of Saima Hall. The event concluded with recognition of years of dedicated service by Thasina Zaman, Hostel Super, and other support staff.

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