Sayma’s life journey spans India, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and finally England, where she arrived through an arranged marriage.

Reluctant to leave her close-knit family, she faced intense isolation upon settling in Bournemouth. With her husband’s support, she began learning English and slowly integrated into British society. Her early years included the challenges of pregnancy in a foreign country and cultural adjustment yet she remained resilient. Sayma embraced aspects of British life, adopting a modern appearance and giving her children English-sounding names to aid their integration, all while proudly preserving her identity through traditional dress and customs.

She co-managed the Karachi Restaurant, Bournemouth’s first South Asian eatery, which became a vibrant social hub. Passionate about empowering others, she later worked as a police-registered interpreter and founded the Bournemouth Bengali Association. Sayma’s work focused on encouraging women to pursue education and independence, bridging cultures, and building unity.