Daffodil International University’s 12th convocation held

Daffodil International University (DIU) held its 12th Convocation with colourful events today, on 08 February 2025, at Daffodil Smart City, Birulia Savar, Dhaka.

Delegated by Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and Chancellor of Daffodil International University, Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Honourable Adviser, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, presided over the convocation ceremony and conferred the degrees. Professor Dr Hassan Diab, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon, attended the Convocation as the Convocation Speaker. Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, chairman of the board of trustees and professor of Dr M Lutfar Rahman, vice chancellor of the university, also addressed the convocation ceremony.

In the 12th Convocation of the university, a total number of 3951 students were conferred upon graduation and post-graduation degrees, and among them, 12 best result-oriented graduates were awarded the 'Gold Medal' in different categories of Chancellor's, Chairman's BoT and Vice Chancellor's Award. Chancellor's Gold Medal winners are Abu Farhan Siam of the Pharmacy Department, Jabed Hasan of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Humayra Asima Mim of the Nutrition and Food Engineering Department, Mashoor Saad Karim of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department and Asiful Haque of the Software Engineering Department.

While addressing the graduates, Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder said, "Your formal education is over with the Convocation. Now it's time to use your education for the country's and society's welfare." So, pledge today that you will try to give back to the country multiples of what you have received. At the same time, it will contribute to developing a prosperous Bangladesh.

He said I have been reassured to see Daffodil International University in the first row of education and ranking in newspapers and media that we can too. But today, I am overwhelmed by the world and the beautiful Green Campus of Daffodil International University. With the welfare of the beautiful green campus of Daffodil International University, we stand at the world-class standard. The university has already achieved the permanent certificate by fulfilling all the conditions of the education environment, quality standards, performance related to education and all conditions of private universities.

He praised the team of software engineering students of Daffodil International University, which achieved the rare distinction of being finalists three times in a row in the International Hackathon NASA Space Apps Challenge competition organised by NASA. In 2024, 'Team Diamonds' was championed as the 'Most Inspirational' project.

In the last Inter-University Sports Championship, among 125 public and private universities, the university won the Prothom Alo Inter-University Football Competition. These achievements prove that the students at this university are good in academics and sports. Not only that, but the university also has a prestigious position in the world-famous Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, QS World University Ranking, and UI Green Matrix Ranking. Daffodil University will continue this development and progress trend.  It will occur in the list of the best 500 universities worldwide.

He also said that the university provides financial support for various research activities, which is very encouraging. As a result, Daffodil International University has a comfortable position in the world-famous Scopus Index and Nature Index. The way Daffodil is moving forward, I want to see Daffodil University among the top 500 universities in the world.

At the welcome address, DIU Chairman Dr Md. Sabur Khan said DIU is not just an educational institution but a Digital and Entrepreneurial Powerhouse. We have equipped our students with the tools to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven world. From artificial intelligence to blockchain, e-commerce to digital marketing, the students now possess the skills to lead in modern industries. Our entrepreneurship programs like Startup Market, Oitijjher Haat and Venture Capital Access have empowered the students to turn their ideas into reality.
He said the rapid transformation of the tech industry and job market has redefined education globally. At DIU, we have embraced this change by fostering innovation, achieving digital transformation, and creating an ecosystem prioritising access, equity, and excellence in teaching, research, and societal contributions.
DIU remains bold in its commitment to being at the forefront of this transformation. With a strong emphasis on Skill-Focused, Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and fostering "doers and leaders," we are dedicated to building a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven society. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including 160 advanced labs, a dedicated sports zone, the Innovation and Incubation Centre, Knowledge vale, Media Lab, and Gymnasium, are complemented by transformative programs such as Micro-Credential Programs, Employability 360 Degrees, and Art of Living.
Our students participated in the NASA Space Apps Challenge, proving that Bangladeshi talent knows no boundaries. He added that success in the National Debate Championship and the Ispahani-Prothom Alo Football Tournament highlighted teamwork, resilience, and strategic brilliance.
While addressing the Convocation speaker, Professor Hassan Diab said that DIU is one such institution— a beacon of hope and a model for universities in Bangladesh and across the region. DIU's forward-thinking approach is evident in initiatives like the Blended Learning Centre, Blockchain-Powered Digital Certificate Systems, and the transformative "One Student, One Laptop" program that has benefited 65,000 students. This is not merely education but empowerment, bridging divides, and fostering innovation.

He also said that through internationalisation, as seen with its branch campus in the UAE, DIU has showcased its commitment to providing a world-class education to a diverse student community.