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Retail Congress 2026 highlights knowledge economy

Reported By: ST Report April 18, 2026, 6:44 pm Category: Business
Retail Congress 2026 highlights knowledge economy
Bangladesh Retail Forum organised the 8th edition of Bangladesh Retail Congress 2026 at a city hotel on Friday night. Photo: ST
Industry leaders shape future retail strategies

The 8th edition of Bangladesh Retail Congress 2026 brought together industry leaders, retailers and strategists in Dhaka to explore how knowledge-driven approaches are reshaping the country’s retail landscape.

Organised by Bangladesh Retail Forum in collaboration with Bangladesh Brand Forum, the day-long summit was held at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel under the theme “Transforming Retail Through Knowledge”.

The congress convened professionals from FMCG, apparel, supply chain and marketing sectors, focusing on data-driven decision-making, consumer insights and technological integration to build resilient retail ecosystems. The agenda featured keynote sessions, panel discussions and insight sessions addressing evolving trends and operational challenges.

Sajid Mahbub of Bangladesh Brand Forum said the future of retail depends on how effectively businesses translate knowledge into action, from understanding consumers to optimising operations. He emphasised the importance of informed decision-making in an increasingly complex market.

Keynote speakers included Ashraf Bin Taj of International Distributions Company Bangladesh PLC, Shadman Sadikin of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd., and Sami Ashraf of Omni StrateG, who highlighted distribution efficiency, purpose-driven retail and system-wide integration.

Panel discussions examined topics such as retail trends, the balance of profit and purpose, and the transformation of Bangladesh’s apparel value chain. Speakers also stressed the role of data personalisation and technology in managing large-scale retail operations.

The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration and innovation to build a future-ready, consumer-centric retail sector in Bangladesh.