Bangladesh will host the Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026 in Dhaka on Thursday (5 November), bringing together policymakers, business leaders, technology companies, researchers and innovators to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the country’s economy.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to inaugurate the day-long summit at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
The event is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) as part of efforts to accelerate Bangladesh’s technology-driven economic transformation and strengthen its national capabilities.
Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Science and Technology on Tuesday, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam outlined the preparations and objectives of the summit.
He said artificial intelligence was driving a major transformation in the global economy amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Against this backdrop, the summit has adopted the theme “AI-fication for Tomorrow’s Economy”, with its central philosophy built around the integration of people, business and intelligence.
The minister said three thematic sessions would be held during the event.
The first session, scheduled for noon, will examine the direction of the AI revolution, including policy, skills development and infrastructure challenges. A parallel session at the Hall of Fame will focus on strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, as well as strategies for technology transfer.
The third session, scheduled for 3pm, will explore the role of AI agents as digital co-workers and their potential to address local challenges.
The summit will feature 142 exhibition stalls involving national and international companies, technology providers and innovators. More than 150 startups and technology firms are expected to showcase their innovations and projects.
Students from 20 educational institutions, including 19 universities and one college, will also present AI-based projects and prototypes.
Five foreign exhibitors will participate, including one from the United States and four from Pakistan.
Organisers expect around 6,000 visitors and 2,000 invited guests, including 200 special guests nominated by the ministry and DCCI. Around 27 speakers and panellists from home and abroad, representing policymaking bodies, industry, academia, research institutions, corporate organisations and development partners, are expected to address the summit.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said the ministry was pursuing four major priorities to strengthen the country’s scientific and technological capabilities.
These include expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education from primary schools to universities; turning research findings into commercially viable products; building stronger links between researchers, investors and markets; and promoting emerging sectors such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, nanotechnology, space research and the blue economy.
He also highlighted the potential for establishing biotechnology parks in Bangladesh to utilise the country’s skilled graduates and support the development of new drugs and lifestyle products.
DCCI President Md Taskin Ahmed said AI was rapidly transforming business, trade, industrial production, financial services and communications.
He said adopting the technology was essential for Bangladesh to remain competitive in the global economy.
However, he stressed the need for effective policies, institutional support, modern education programmes and improved technological infrastructure to ensure wider adoption of AI.
Taskin Ahmed thanked the science and technology minister for supporting the initiative and urged the media to highlight the summit’s significance.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, including additional secretaries, and journalists attended the press briefing.