Portuguese royal family visits Daffodil university, signs MoUs on youth leadership and global tea collaboration
As part of the visit, two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed — one between DIU and the London Tea Exchange (LTE), and another between DIU and the Portuguese Royal House.
His Royal Highness Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza and head of the Portuguese royal family, visited Daffodil International University (DIU) in Birulia, Savar, this morning (11 November) as part of a royal goodwill tour to Bangladesh.
He was accompanied by his wife, Isabel Inês de Heredia, and their son, Prince Afonso de Santa Maria.
Upon arrival, Dom Duarte was accorded a guard of honour by the university. The royal delegation toured the DIU campus, met with faculty members, officials, and students, and attended a series of partnership-signing ceremonies aimed at promoting education, culture, and ethical business practices.
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As part of the visit, two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed — one between DIU and the London Tea Exchange (LTE), and another between DIU and the Portuguese Royal House.
The DIU–LTE agreement focuses on advancing collaboration in tea culture, entrepreneurship, and global trade. The MoU was signed by Md Sabur Khan, founder and chairman of Daffodil Family and Daffodil International University, and Sheikh Aliur Rahman, group chairman of the London Tea Exchange.
Under this partnership, DIU will introduce a short course titled "Tea Mastering," alongside summer and micro-credential programs that include tea garden visits, factory tours, and the establishment of a "Tea Corner" on campus to celebrate world tea heritage.
Launch of Duke of Braganza youth leadership programme
Another highlight of the visit was the signing of the "Duke of Braganza Youth Leadership & Service Program – Bangladesh Chapter." Themed "Leadership Through Service," the initiative aims to foster youth leadership rooted in community engagement, ethics, and social responsibility.
Additionally, DIU inaugurated the "Duke of Braganza Heritage Culinary Studio" to promote cultural exchange through culinary heritage.
During the event, Md Sabur Khan was officially appointed as the Bangladesh Ambassador of the Fair Pay Charter, an initiative led by the London Tea Exchange that advocates for fair wages and ethical labour practices globally.
The Fair Pay Charter works with universities, corporations, and entrepreneurship networks to promote transparent and equitable pay structures worldwide. Its goal is to ensure fair remuneration, eliminate wage discrimination, and build a humane and inclusive workplace culture.
Speakers at the ceremony expressed optimism that the initiative would help establish fair pay and transparency for Bangladeshi workers, advancing social dignity and economic justice.
A global ethical movement
Addressing the event, Sheikh Aliur Rahman said DIU is the first Bangladeshi university to partner with London Tea Exchange.
He noted that the London Tea Exchange was founded in 1679 under King Charles II, influenced by Queen Catherine of Braganza, the same royal family represented at DIU's event.
Rahman shared the origins of the Fair Pay Charter, which he began developing 27 years ago after witnessing tea workers in Sri Lanka earning less than a dollar a day. "We decided we could not profit from the backs of the world's poorest workers," he said, adding that the movement has since gained international recognition, with over 35 million workers worldwide, including in Bangladesh, receiving pay increases.
He highlighted that tea workers' wages have risen by over 43%, with similar improvements expected across South Asia. "Our mission is to create sustainable, self-sufficient communities through fairness, dignity, and leadership," he said. "We are building a global movement — and now, with friends, universities, and royal families joining us, we believe change is truly possible."
Chairing the event, Md Sabur Khan said, "Daffodil has always been committed to building global connections in education. The visit of the Portuguese royal family and our strategic partnership with the London Tea Exchange will strengthen DIU's international presence and open new opportunities for our students."
The event was attended by Prof MR Kabir, vice-chancellor of DIU; Prof Mohammad Masum Iqbal, pro-vice chancellor; Hamidul Haque Khan, treasurer; senior faculty members, administrators, and a large number of students.
