A celebratory lunch was organised at Chittagong Club yesterday on the occasion of the government's approval for Chittagong Independent University (CIU).

Minister for Environment and Forest Dr Hasan Mahmud was present as the chief guest while Alwami League lawmakers -- Shamshul Haque Chowdhury and Begum Cheman Ara Tayab - and BNP lawmaker Jafrul Islam Chowdury also attended.

Members of the board of trustees of CIU and Education, Science, Technology and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT) and vice chancellors of different universities of Chittagong were also present at the celebratory programme with SM Al-Hossaini, president of the CIU Board of Trustee, in the chair.

Chairman of ESTCDT and Transcom Ltd Director Saifiar Rahman thanked the minister, lawmakers and other guests for attending the programme.