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 2002-23 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). Currently, Dr. Khan serves as President of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) for the 2023-2024 term and, since August 16, 2024, as 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.