Daffodil International University has hosted an official visit of HRH Dom Duarte, Duke of Braganza, head of the Portuguese Royal Household, at its Daffodil Smart City campus in Birulia, Savar, marking new academic and cultural collaborations between Bangladesh and Portugal.
The development was announced in a press release from the university on Tuesday.
The visit included multiple partnership signings, including a strategic agreement with the UK-based London Tea Exchange to advance tea education, trade and skill development, and the announcement appointing Daffodil International University Founder and Chairman Md Sabur Khan as Bangladesh Ambassador for the Fair Pay Charter – a global initiative promoting equitable wage policies.
Under the memorandum of understanding with London Tea Exchange, the university will introduce short courses on tea mastering, launch summer and micro-credential programs, organise tea estate and factory visits and establish a campus Tea Corner to promote global tea heritage.
Another memorandum was signed between the Portuguese Royal House and DIU to launch the Duke of Braganza Youth Leadership & Service Program – Bangladesh Chapter under the theme Leadership Through Service.
The initiative will focus on youth leadership, community service, sustainable tourism and global citizenship while DIU serves as the national secretariat.
The visit also featured the inauguration of the Duke of Braganza Heritage Culinary Studio, aimed at blending global and Bangladeshi culinary practices with a focus on sustainable gastronomy.
The Duke was received with a Guard of Honor, followed by a campus tour and engagement with faculty members and students.
Daffodil International University Founder and Chairman Md Sabur Khan, who chaired the event, said the royal visit and new alliances will expand global opportunities for students.
London Tea Exchange Group Chairman Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman, KGOR, KC, OBE, Daffodil International University Vice Chancellor Professor M R Kabir, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Masum Iqbal and Treasurer Hamidul Haque Khan were among senior representatives present.
A cultural showcase by DIU students was held as part of the programme, and the event concluded with a luncheon hosted in honour of the Portuguese royal delegation, attended by university officials, foreign delegates and guests.
The university said the new partnerships aim to widen academic exchanges, research collaboration and global industry exposure.
