| THE BEGINNING
Named after late Prof. Dr. Shirin A. Chowdhury, a nationally renowned eminent business professor, 3 times cancer survivor and social activist and her daughter late Sajmila Jishmam Uzma, a cultural ambassador who represented Bangladesh in international platforms. We have grown into a thriving social enterprise, serving thousands of individuals each year. Our social work adopts an interdisciplinary approach and includes supporting minority rights and healthcare and educational mechanisms
GLOBAL Executive team
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Founder and Executive Director
Ahmed Sajidan Rafsan
Rafsan is a pioneering social entrepreneur whose visionary leadership and innovative approach have carved a new path in the realm of humanitarian and entrepreneurship. He founded SSIF in a heartfelt tribute to his mother and sister, Dr. Shirin and Sajmila, whose lives were tragically cut short in a road accident. As a Youth Advocate with the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, Rafsan has enhanced support systems in Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh and fostered international collaborations. At SSIF, he serves as the Executive Director and oversees the implementation of our projects.
Director of Operation Management
Prof. Dr. Abu Mohammed Atiqur Rahman
Dr Rahman is an esteemed figure in the field of business analysis, currently serving as the Chairman of the Business Faculty at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh's largest university. His academic journey is marked by a distinguished PhD from Belgium, reflecting his deep commitment to business studies and research. Known as one of Bangladesh's business gurus, Professor Rahman's contributions to the field are vast, with a prolific number of journal publications to his name that showcase his expertise and innovative thinking.
Director of Philanthropy &
Human Resource Management
Dr. Tayyab Sikdar
Renowned for his pioneering contributions as a dental surgeon , a visionary medical entrepreneur and country's most renowned humanitarian. He has been instrumental in mobilizing and facilitating donations worth millions, all aimed at the noble mission of providing free healthcare to the marginalized communities in Bangladesh. He is the founder of Sikdar's Dental Care, one of Bangladesh's largest private dental clinics, celebrated for its state-of-the-art technology and exemplary services. His long-standing role as the President of the Patient Welfare Association in Bangladesh underscores his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those in need through accessible medical care.
Director of Volunteer Services
Dr. Adham
Dr Rahman is an esteemed figure in the field of business analysis, currently serving as the Chairman of the Business Faculty at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh's largest university. His academic journey is marked by a distinguished PhD from Belgium, reflecting his deep commitment to business studies and research. Known as one of Bangladesh's business gurus, Professor Rahman's contributions to the field are vast, with a prolific number of journal publications to his name that showcase his expertise and innovative thinking.
Director of Education & Refugee Support Programs
Prof. Dr. Afzal Hosen
Dr Hosen is an important figure in the field of psychology in Bangladesh with more than 20 years of experience, serving as a Professor of Psychology, University of Chittagong. Dr. Hosen is renowned for his significant research, particularly his study on "Effect of Hospital Based Psycho-education on Mental Health among Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease," which has contributed valuable insights into the psychological impacts of caregiving.
As a pioneer in mental health awareness, a topic often considered taboo in Bangladesh, Dr. Hosen is committed to changing perceptions and fostering a more open dialogue about mental well-being. He offers both basic and advanced counseling services, extending his expertise to those in need and promoting a broader understanding of mental health care.
Director of Youth Development and Community Outreach
Ahsanul Arefin
Arefin has led youth networks across Bangladesh, advocating for a spectrum of social causes. His endeavors extend to critical areas such as education reform, environmental conservation, and digital literacy, reflecting his comprehensive approach to youth empowerment.
As an aspiring computer science enthusiast, Ahsanul skillfully integrates technology with activism, pioneering digital platforms for civic engagement and social awareness. His innovative projects leverage social media, mobile applications, and web platforms to amplify youth voices and facilitate collaborative action on pressing societal issues.
Director of Compliance and Ethics
Mahua Dastidar
Mrs. Mahua Dastidar is a distinguished executive in the insurance sector of Bangladesh, recognized for her dynamic leadership and innovative strategies. With a career marked by significant achievements, Mahua has been instrumental in steering her firm towards remarkable growth and industry leadership. Beyond her professional accolades, Mahua is deeply committed to social activism, having spearheaded impactful campaigns that address key societal issues
Director of Strategic Planning
Abdullah Ansar
Abdullah Ansar is a multifaceted intellectual and social advocate whose work extends far beyond his role at SSIF. As a Digital Humanities Associate at Carleton College, he has contributed to preserving historical knowledge through archival projects, including cataloging rare South Asian and Middle Eastern manuscripts, organizing digital maps, and creating interactive educational resources. His commitment to academic excellence is further highlighted by his tenure as a Research Assistant at Augustana College, where he translated and analyzed medieval Islamic philosophical texts, bridging historical insights with contemporary scholarship.
Ansar’s impact is equally visible in the realm of education. As the Co-Founder of COALI, one of the largest O/A Level and IGCSE-focused non-profits, he has played a key role in democratizing access to quality education for underprivileged students. From organizing mentorship programs to moderating academic platforms, his leadership has fostered an environment of equitable learning and skill development. His experience also includes a cataloging internship at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, where he developed authority files for Persian, Urdu, and Arabic texts, further showcasing his dedication to preserving cultural heritage.
Passionate about the intersection of philosophy, critical thinking, and social justice, Ansar brings his academic expertise and global perspective to initiatives promoting freedom of speech, education equity, and philosophical awareness. With publications in prestigious journals and a track record of community-driven impact, he embodies a rare blend of intellectual rigor and actionable change.
Director of Finance
Captain Ahmed Safwan Jasir
Captain Jasir is an esteemed officer in infantry division of the Bangladesh Armed Forces where he stands out as one of the youngest commandoes. Besides, he has established himself as a top electrical engineer, blending technical acumen with strategic military insights.
His commitment to social betterment extends beyond his professional roles, as he actively engages in social activism. Ahmed has spearheaded various awareness campaigns focused on poverty alleviation and women's empowerment, showcasing his dedication to making a tangible difference in society.
Jasir's multifaceted personality and dynamic engagement with the public have also led him to appear in numerous reality shows in Bangladesh, further broadening his influence and outreach.
Director of Logistics
Hasina Islam Molly
Hasina Islam Molly is a seasoned social worker, activist, and entrepreneur, bringing a wealth of experience in operations management and community empowerment to her role as the Director of Logistics at the Shirin Sajmila International Foundation (SSIF). With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Management Studies from the University of Chittagong, she combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to social impact.
Molly's entrepreneurial journey began with her culinary enterprises, where she championed sustainable business practices and provided employment opportunities for underprivileged women. Her ventures became a model for integrating economic empowerment with skill development, particularly for marginalized communities.
As SSIF's Director of Logistics, Molly oversees complex supply chains, disaster relief operations, and the efficient distribution of essential resources. She played a pivotal role in managing 15,000+ rescue and rehabilitation effortsduring recent flood crises in Bangladesh, ensuring that food, medicines, and other critical supplies reached affected families promptly. Her strategic foresight and meticulous planning have strengthened SSIF's ability to deliver large-scale interventions with precision and impact.
Beyond logistics, Molly is an advocate for women’s empowerment and education. Her leadership inspires teams to adopt innovative, community-driven approaches, making her an invaluable asset to SSIF’s mission of building resilient, equitable futures.