A Milestone in Higher Education: DIU Is Receiving the Responsibility to Host the IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting 2026

Daffodil International University (DIU) is creating a remarkable milestone in the history of higher education in Bangladesh. The university is receiving the historic responsibility of hosting the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) Semi-Annual Meeting 2026, one of the most prestigious global assemblies of university leaders. For the first time, Bangladesh is becoming the host country of this distinguished international academic conference, further strengthening the nation’s position on the global stage of higher education.

Today, Thursday (27th November, 2025), a special press conference at Daffodil Tower, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, will officially announce this landmark event. IAUP Secretary General and Vice Chancellor of the Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation, Osaka University of Commerce, Japan, Professor Tatsuro Tanioka, is attending the press conference and is praising DIU’s international capacity and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Professor Mohammed Masum Iqbal, PhD, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Daffodil International University; Professor Dr. Md. Fokhray Hossain, Director of International Affairs, Daffodil International University; and other senior officials are also attending the event.

From 19 to 21 November 2026, top leaders from more than one hundred universities across the world are gathering at Daffodil Smart City, Savar, to discuss global opportunities and challenges in higher education. As part of this major event, various academic dialogues, cultural programs, and high-level bilateral meetings are taking place across key locations in Dhaka. Through hosting the IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting, DIU is continuing to lead the internationalization of higher education in Bangladesh.

Around 70–100 university presidents and higher education leaders from 20–25 countries are participating in this upcoming conference. The event is being regarded as a groundbreaking achievement for Bangladesh’s education sector, as IAUP is one of the world’s most influential platforms for higher education innovation, international collaboration, research, and leadership development. DIU has been closely collaborating with IAUP for more than a decade.

The international leadership of DIU is becoming even stronger as the university’s Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, is being elected as the Treasurer of IAUP for the 2027–2030 term. Previously, DIU has successfully organized the Asian University Presidents Forum 2019, the 15th AUAP General Conference 2022, and several Erasmus+ projects, earning the trust of the global academic community. DIU’s recent achievements, ranking 2nd among private universities in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and securing the 801–1000 band in THE World University Rankings 2026, are strongly reflecting the university’s rising international standards.

Speaking at the event, IAUP Secretary General Professor Tatsuro Tanioka says, “Hosting the IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting 2026 in Bangladesh is becoming a historic step. The modern infrastructure, global outlook, and transformative educational leadership of Daffodil International University are deeply impressing us. This event is undoubtedly showcasing Bangladesh’s higher education to the world in a renewed and powerful way.”

DIU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor says, “IAUP is giving this significant responsibility as recognition of DIU’s long-standing international engagement and proven ability to host large-scale international events. This is not only an achievement for our university but also a milestone for the entire higher education sector of Bangladesh.”

Through hosting the IAUP Semi-Annual Meeting 2026, Bangladesh is opening new opportunities in academic diplomacy, global cooperation, research and innovation, educational exchange, and technological enhancement. This landmark event is playing a key role in establishing Bangladesh as a promising hub of global higher education and is creating pathways for future collaboration, development, and knowledge-sharing for generations to come.