President Mirza Fakhrul to attend November 5 event as chief guest; 150 stalls planned for AI Business Expo
DHAKA, November 3: Bangladesh is set to host its first major AI-focused business summit on November 5, bringing together local and international technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors and young innovators to explore business opportunities and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence.
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Ministry of Science and Technology will jointly organise the Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026 at the Hall of Fame of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has consented to attend the inaugural session as the chief guest.
The announcement was made at a preparatory press conference held on Tuesday at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain and DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed attended the briefing.
Speaking at the event, Fakir Mahbub Anam said artificial intelligence was driving a major transformation in the global economy amid the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Against this backdrop, the summit has adopted the theme 'AI-fication for Tomorrow's Economy', reflecting the need to integrate people, business and intelligence, he said.
The minister expressed hope that the joint initiative would play a significant role in promoting the responsible adoption of AI across Bangladesh's industrial and commercial sectors and developing a sustainable AI ecosystem.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said AI was transforming business and trade, industrial production, financial services, communications and other sectors.
He stressed that adopting AI technologies was essential for Bangladesh to remain competitive in the global economy, underscoring the need for effective policies, modernised education curricula and stronger technological infrastructure.
Recognising the growing importance of AI, the DCCI and the ministry had jointly taken the initiative to organise what he described as a first-of-its-kind event in Bangladesh.
The summit will feature an inaugural session, three thematic sessions and a business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking session.
A major attraction will be the AI Business Expo, featuring 150 stalls where local and international AI-based companies will showcase their products, services and technological solutions.
Young innovators and entrepreneurs from 20 public and private universities will also have the opportunity to display their innovations and products.
Taskeen Ahmed said the summit would provide a platform for young innovators, local entrepreneurs and foreign businesses to exchange ideas, explore partnerships and expand commercial opportunities.
Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said the ministry was advancing its activities based on four key pillars.
These include promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education from primary to university levels; transforming research findings and academic papers into market-ready products; strengthening connections among researchers, investors and markets; and pursuing targeted initiatives in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, nanotechnology, space research and the blue economy.
He also highlighted Bangladesh's potential to establish biotechnology parks, citing the country's large pool of talented graduates and opportunities to develop new medicines and lifestyle products.
DCCI Secretary General Dr AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary and senior officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology were also present at the press conference.
