Profile

Academic Profile_Dr. Md. Sabur Khan

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University (DIU) and Former President of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), is an eminent leader in the academic and business sectors. He currently serves as Chairman of the AUAP's advisory council for 2025-26. His pioneering work in creating DIU's Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship marries education with the entrepreneurial spirit of the modern era. Dr. Khan's strategic involvement with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS), and as the Chairman of Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh, underlines his commitment to fostering innovation and business acumen. Recently he was elected as Treasurer (elect) for 2027 - 30 in the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and also elected as President of Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB).

His scholarly works and publications contribute to his stature as an academician, with a wide array of topics ranging from entrepreneurial development to educational strategies. These publications not only reflect his in-depth knowledge but also his desire to disseminate learning and foster discussion in the global community.

Dr. Khan has received several honorary Doctorates, D. Litt. degree, and Professorships, validating his significant contribution to education and business. The recognition as a Commercially Important Person (CIP) by the Government of Bangladesh is a highlight of his many achievements.

Dr. Khan's influence extends internationally, with his efforts in education and entrepreneurship setting standards for progress in both the economy and academics. His array of awards and honours is a testimony to a career spent championing the progress of technology, business, and education, making a lasting impact on Bangladesh and beyond.

For detailed information, please visit the website www.sabur.me

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan is a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the information technology and education sectors in Bangladesh. As the Chairman of Daffodil International University and the Daffodil Family, Dr. Khan has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in these fields. In 1990, he established Daffodil Computers, which became Bangladesh's first publicly listed IT company in 2002, with listings on both the Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchanges. This milestone marked a new era in the country's ICT sector, quickly earning the confidence of stock market investors. In 1998, Daffodil Computers introduced Bangladesh's first indigenous computer brand, 'Daffodil PC named DCL,' and became the country's first clone PC assembling company in 1991, symbolizing national pride and technological advancement.

During a time when the ICT sector was largely dominated by foreign entities, Dr. Khan pioneered the establishment of the Daffodil Institute of IT (DIIT), the country's first IT-focused educational institution, which achieved remarkable success. Building on this success, he founded Daffodil International University in 2002, which today showcases Bangladesh's intellectual potential on the global stage.

Under Dr. Khan's leadership, the Daffodil Family has grown to encompass 44 organisations across the education, healthcare, IT, and investment sectors, providing employment to over 15,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

Born in January 1965 in Chandpur, Bangladesh, Dr. Khan earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Statistics from Jahangirnagar University. After graduation he started his business without searching for any job.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Khan has held numerous influential positions. He served as President of the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) from 2002-2003 and was a member of the Prime Minister's IT Task Force. In 2013, he served as President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI). His influence extends internationally, having held roles in organisations such as the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ICCI), the Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF), and as a Board Member of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA). Dr. Khan was the Former President of AUAP. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) for the tenure of 2025-26 & Chairman of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB). In addition, as Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in Bangladesh, he continues to champion entrepreneurship and educational innovation on a global scale.

Dr. Khan's contributions to education and business have been recognized worldwide. He has received many honorary Doctorates, D.Litt awards, and Professorships from universities across Europe, Central Asia, and India. His extensive scholarly work and numerous publications, rooted in his business experience and knowledge, solidify his reputation as a respected academician. One of his books, "A Journey Towards Entrepreneurship," has been translated into two languages and is part of the academic curriculum at universities in Europe. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Commercially Important Person (CIP) by the Government of Bangladesh. He received a lot of local and International awards and recognition.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Khan is deeply committed to social development. He actively supports underprivileged, meritorious students through initiatives such as the Daffodil Scholarship and the Daffodil Institute of Social Science (DISS). He also fosters the growth of small entrepreneurs through the Jeebika Livelihood Project under the Daffodil Foundation, further amplifying his positive impact on society.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan is a distinguished entrepreneur and esteemed educationist whose vision and dedication have significantly shaped the intersection of business proficiency and academic innovation. He is the visionary founder of the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Daffodil International University (DIU), which stands as a beacon of his commitment to cultivating the entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.

Academic Contributions:

Dr. Khan has been pivotal in developing DIU's pioneering curriculum for the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, merging theoretical frameworks with practical experience. His mentorship has sparked the entrepreneurial spirit within students, supported by a vibrant academic culture that encourages innovation through seminars and competitions.

Business Contributions:

A trailblazer in the IT industry, Dr. Khan initiated Daffodil Computers Ltd., setting a benchmark in Bangladesh's tech sector. His ventures have grown into the Daffodil Family, exemplifying the powerful synergy between industry and academia, and offering students priceless exposure to real-world business scenarios.

Recognition and Leadership:

Dr. Khan's leadership is recognized across numerous prestigious bodies, including the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), World IT & Services Alliances (WITSA), Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS), and as President of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP). His extensive list of accolades includes several honorary Doctorates, D.Lit, and Professorships, highlighting his influential role in education and business. The Government of Bangladesh has also honored him with the Commercially Important Person (CIP) status, acknowledging his contributions to the nation's development.

His scholarly works and publications contribute to his stature as an academician, with a wide array of topics ranging from entrepreneurial development to educational strategies. These publications not only reflect his in-depth knowledge but also his desire to disseminate learning and foster discussion in the global community.

Legacy and Vision:

The legacy of Dr. Khan is not just defined by his successful business endeavors but also by the profound impact he has on nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. His dual dedication to academic excellence and business ingenuity marks him as a transformative figure, advancing the economic and educational fabric of Bangladesh.

The Legacy of Dr. Md. Sabur Khan

1. Foundations of Philosophy & Vision

• Guiding belief: “My organisation’s sustainability is my sustainability.”
• Inspired by Prophet Muhammad (SWT) in values of honesty, service, and resilience.
• Committed to donate one-third of all assets to society, making the Bangladeshi people indirect owners of Daffodil institutions.
• Life’s purpose: nation-building through education, skills, and entrepreneurship rather than personal gain.

2. Early Struggles and Entrepreneurial Spark (1990–1996)

• 1990 – Founded Daffodil Computers Ltd. at Green Road, starting with training, publishing, and computer sales.
• 1991 – Began importing computer parts and pioneered clone PC assembling in Bangladesh.
• 1993 – Suffered financial loss but chose resilience over compromise.
• 1995 – Established the first computer superstore in Bangladesh.
• 1996 – Gained national recognition: “Daffodil is the voice of the young generation” (Daily Ittefaq).

Life Lesson: Struggles and criticism are stepping stones, not roadblocks.

3. The Education Revolution (1997–2005)

• 1997 – Founded Daffodil Institute of IT (DIIT) with only 7 students, which outperformed even foreign IT institutions.
• 2001 – Transformed DIIT into Daffodil International University (DIU).
• 2002 – Listed Daffodil Computers Ltd. as the first IT company on DSE & CSE.
• 2002–2003 – Elected President of BCS, advocated for ICT industry, played a pivotal role in forming the ICT Ministry.
• 2005 – Entered global collaboration via Jobstreet.com joint venture.

Life Lesson: Education is the most sustainable form of poverty alleviation.

4. Global Expansion & Institutional Growth (2006–2024)

• Expanded beyond ICT into education, healthcare, investment, and entrepreneurship.
• Established ventures in USA, UK, Malaysia, Dubai.
• 2020 – Instrumental in hosting WCIT 2020 in Bangladesh.
• 2023–24 – As President of AUAP, promoted global collaboration in education.
• Initiated DIU Smart City – a model of sustainable campus development.

Life Lesson: Think globally, act locally, and create ecosystems—not just companies.

5. Governance, Compliance & Integrity

• Served on Prime Minister’s ICT Task Force.
• Founding member of BASIS (1998), contributor to WITSA.
• Declared all foreign earnings legally, with transparent tax compliance.
• Mortgaged personal land for DIU’s survival but never compromised ethics.
• Withstood audits and political barriers without losing credibility.

Life Lesson: Integrity is the foundation of sustainable leadership.

6. Failures, Resilience & Lessons

• Faced losses in Singapore, Malaysia, and Shenzhen due to misplaced trust.
• Sold businesses (Metronet, eTravel, Softcom) to focus on core mission.
• Learned resilience through political, financial, and systemic challenges.
• Always welcomed criticism as a mirror of self-improvement.

Life Lesson: Failures are tuition fees for long-term success.

7. Social Impact & Future-Oriented Vision

• Created thousands of entrepreneurs and millions of indirect jobs.
• Initiated One Student, One Laptop to bridge the digital divide.
• Built Skill.jobs, Capstone projects, Microcredentials, and TVET programs.
• Advocated inclusive education: from rural boys to underprivileged girls, all should be leaders of tomorrow.
• Committed to turning DIU into a global hub of research and innovation.

8. Strategic Note for the Future

• Legacy is a blend of entrepreneurship, ethics, and nation-building.
• DIU Smart City stands as a model for sustainability, innovation, and poverty alleviation.
• Dream: to create a generation of leaders who will serve not only Bangladesh but the world.
• Plan: Document and teach this journey as a case study across universities.

Closing Reflection

"I see myself not as a businessman, but as a lifelong learner and nation-builder. My greatest legacy is not the companies I built, but the people I empowered. If one student, one entrepreneur, or one institution changes the world tomorrow, it will mean my journey was worth it."