Daffodil International University hosts royal visit of Duke of Braganza Dom Duarte
Dom Duarte, the Duke of Braganza, has visited Daffodil International University (DIU) in Bangladesh to sign several partnership agreements.The Head of the Portuguese Royal Household attended the university's Daffodil Smart City campus in Birulia, Savar, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.The visit included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London Tea Exchange (LTE) and another to launch a youth leadership program.Additionally, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daff...
Dom Duarte, the Duke of Braganza, has visited Daffodil International University (DIU) in Bangladesh to sign several partnership agreements.
The Head of the Portuguese Royal Household attended the university's Daffodil Smart City campus in Birulia, Savar, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The visit included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London Tea Exchange (LTE) and another to launch a youth leadership program.
Additionally, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University, was announced as the Ambassador of Bangladesh for the Fair Pay Charter. The charter is an initiative led by the UK-based LTE to promote equitable pay policies.
The partnership with the London Tea Exchange aims to promote academic and skill-development collaborations in tea culture and global trade. Under the agreement, DIU will introduce a short course on Tea Mastering, launch summer and micro-credential programs, organize industry visits, and establish a Tea Corner on campus.
A second MoU was signed by the university and His Royal Highness Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, to establish the "Duke of Braganza Youth Leadership & Service Program – Bangladesh Chapter." The program, themed "Leadership Through Service," aims to nurture youth leadership and community service. DIU will act as the National Secretariat, with patronage from the Royal House of Portugal.
During the visit, the Duke also inaugurated the Duke of Braganza Heritage Culinary Studio at the university.
Upon arrival, Dom Duarte was given a Guard of Honor and toured the campus, meeting with faculty members, officials, and students.
The event was chaired by Dr. Md. Sabur Khan. In his remarks, Dr. Khan said, "Daffodil has always been committed to building global educational connections. The visit of the Portuguese Royal Family and the strategic partnership with the London Tea Exchange will further strengthen Daffodil's international presence and open new opportunities for our students."
Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, Vice Chancellor of DIU, said, "We are delighted to host His Royal Highness and to advance our commitment to global academic and cultural collaboration. This event marks a significant milestone in our institution's international relations."
Other attendees included Royal Highness Duchess Isabel Inês de Heredia, Royal Highness Prince Afonso de Santa Maria, and Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman, KGOR, KC, OBE, Group Chairman of the London Tea Exchange.
University officials present included Professor Mohammed Masum Iqbal, PhD Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Hamidul Haque Khan Treasurer, along with deans of various faculties, faculty members, administrative officials, and students.
The visit also featured a cultural program where DIU students showcased Bangladeshi traditions. The event concluded with a luncheon hosted in honor of the Portuguese Royal Family.