Dr. Sabur Khan is not only a visionary leader in Bangladesh but also a global advocate for education and entrepreneurship. Through international activities, he extends his impact beyond borders, fostering collaborations and initiatives aimed at advancing education, technology, and economic development worldwide. Dr. Khan's engagements include speaking engagements, partnerships with international organizations, and participation in global forums, where he shares insights and best practices in education, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. His commitment to empowering youth and promoting sustainable development resonates globally, inspiring individuals and organizations to work towards creating positive change on a global scale. Dr. Sabur Khan's international endeavors exemplify his dedication to building a brighter future for communities worldwide.
Profile Category
Business Profile
Dr. Md. Sabur Khan is a pioneering entrepreneur, institution builder, educationist, and business leader whose journey reflects more than three decades of contribution to Bangladesh’s ICT, entrepreneurship, education, and human capital development sectors.
He began his entrepreneurial journey in 1990 with the establishment of Daffodil Computers Ltd., which later became Bangladesh’s first publicly listed IT company. From this foundation, he gradually built the Daffodil Family, a diversified ecosystem connecting technology, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, employment, investment, and social impact.
Dr. Khan’s leadership journey started early in the national ICT sector. In 1997, he served as Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS), and later became its President in 2002. He also contributed as a member of the Prime Minister’s ICT Task Force, playing an active role in policy advocacy for Bangladesh’s emerging digital economy. He is one of the founding contributors of BASIS and has represented Bangladesh in several national and international ICT, business, and policy platforms, including WITSA.
His business leadership expanded further through the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), where he became a Director in 2003 and later served as President in 2012, leading the country’s premier chamber with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, investment, private sector development, and policy reform.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Khan has not only created companies but also created opportunities. Through his ventures, he has contributed to employment generation, tax contribution, skill development, and national economic growth. His business philosophy is rooted in ethical entrepreneurship, self-reliance, innovation, and institutional sustainability.
His educational venture also began from an entrepreneurial vision. Starting with DIIT in 1997 and later establishing Daffodil International University in 2002, he transformed education into a platform for employability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and social mobility. He founded the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at DIU, developed startup and incubation ecosystems, and promoted practical, industry-connected education for young people.
Beyond business and education, Dr. Khan has developed strong social contribution platforms through the Daffodil Foundation, Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences, scholarship programs, livelihood initiatives, and community development activities. His belief is that successful entrepreneurship must return value to society.
Dr. Khan’s leadership has been recognized nationally and internationally. He has served as President of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), Chairman of Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh, Chairman of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB), and Treasurer-Elect of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP). He has also received CIP recognition from the Government of Bangladesh, along with honorary Doctorates, D.Litt. degrees, Professorships, and other international recognitions.
He is also an author and thought leader, with books and writings focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, education, and youth empowerment. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to building institutions, empowering people, and creating a culture where education and entrepreneurship become engines of national transformation.
Dr. Md. Sabur Khan’s profile is therefore not limited to business success. He represents a practical model of entrepreneurial leadership—one that combines business confidence, policy contribution, institutional development, social responsibility, and a clear vision for building a skilled, innovative, and self-reliant Bangladesh.
For more information, please visit: www.sabur.me
Academic 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. He was elected as Treasurer for 2024 - 27 in the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and also elected as President of the 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
Standard Profile
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 Group, 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 Group has grown to encompass 50+ 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). He has also been elected as Treasurer for 2024 - 27 in the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP). 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.
Academic & Business Profile
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.
Autobiography
The Legacy of Dr. Md. Sabur Khan
1. Foundations of Philosophy & Vision
2. Early Struggles and Entrepreneurial Spark (1990–1996)
Life Lesson: Struggles and criticism are stepping stones, not roadblocks.
3. The Education Revolution (1997–2005)
Life Lesson: Education is the most sustainable form of poverty alleviation.
4. Global Expansion & Institutional Growth (2006–2024)
Life Lesson: Think globally, act locally, and create ecosystems—not just companies.
5. Governance, Compliance & Integrity
Life Lesson: Integrity is the foundation of sustainable leadership.
6. Failures, Resilience & Lessons
Life Lesson: Failures are tuition fees for long-term success.
7. Social Impact & Future-Oriented Vision
8. Strategic Note for the Future
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."