The Department of English and Modern Languages at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) hosted acclaimed author and MACFEST founder Qaisra Shahraz MBE for a special edition of its “The Writing Life” series on Monday, 10 August 2026.

The session brought together literature, activism and questions of identity, with Shahraz delivering a keynote on the role of fiction in promoting peace and advancing gender activism.

Drawing on her acclaimed works, including The Holy Woman, Typhoon and Revolt, Shahraz discussed how storytelling can engage with social issues and challenge prevailing attitudes. Her session was held at the DMK Lecturer Gallery, where students and faculty members took part in an engaging discussion.

Prof Razia Sultana Khan moderated a conversation with Shahraz focusing on cultural identity, followed by a question-and-answer session with students and faculty.

The event was attended by IUB Vice Chancellor Prof M Tamim, Prof Sarker Hasan Al Zayed and Dr Hafiza Nilofar Khan, whose support contributed to the programme.

The session concluded with an exchange between Shahraz and members of the IUB community, highlighting the enduring role of literature in exploring identity, social change and activism.