Staff reporter:
Speakers at the Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026 today called for establishing a ‘National AI Ecosystem’ through coordinated public-private initiatives to harness the country’s domestic potential in artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerate innovation, investment and economic transformation.
They stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, universities, industries and technology entrepreneurs to address existing challenges in AI development and ensure its effective application across different sectors of the economy.
The views came at the country’s first-ever Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026, themed “AI-fication for Tomorrow’s Economy”, jointly organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon yesterday, said a press release.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the inaugural session of the summit as the chief guest.
Science and Technology Minister and Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Science and Technology M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman also attended the inaugural session and spoke on the occasion.
Three thematic panel discussions were held following the inauguration, bringing together cabinet members, policymakers, business leaders, local and foreign entrepreneurs, investors, academics, students and researchers to assess the country’s AI sector, identify challenges and explore future opportunities.
Moderating the session titled ‘Transformation and Navigating AI Revolution: Application, Prospects and Challenges’, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said AI had emerged as a transformative force in the global economy, reshaping business operations, industrial production and institutional decision-making.
He said AI adoption was gradually increasing in Bangladesh alongside the expansion of digital services, automation, data-driven decision-making and technology-based business solutions.
However, inadequate technological infrastructure, a shortage of skilled professionals, high implementation costs and cybersecurity concerns remained major challenges to the country’s AI journey, he added.
Speaking as the chief guest at the session titled ‘Industry and Academia Linkage: AI-fication towards Business Innovation’, Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said AI could provide effective solutions to real-world challenges in sectors such as ready-made garments, textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, financial services, logistics and small and medium enterprises.
He said the success of AI adoption would depend on how effectively the technology could be aligned with Bangladesh’s economic realities and development needs.
He underscored the importance of connecting university research and innovation with practical industrial requirements and expanding investment to turn research-based knowledge into productive economic assets.
Noting that the government was working to create a business-friendly environment, he stressed coordinated efforts among government agencies, universities, trade bodies and technology entrepreneurs.
Moderating the session, former DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said aligning academic curricula with industry and business requirements was essential to developing an AI-ready skilled workforce.
He emphasised AI literacy, data analytics and practical problem-solving skills, saying effective partnerships among the government, industries, educational institutions and development partners were necessary to accelerate the country’s AI-driven transformation.
FLAXA President Syed Nasim Manzur called for tax incentives to encourage private-sector investment in education and research, alongside modernisation of existing intellectual property laws to attract domestic and foreign investment.
He said local entrepreneurs could introduce AI-based services to address existing industrial challenges, describing the sector as a promising area for business opportunities.
Transcom Limited Group CEO Simin Rahman stressed expanding the adoption of artificial intelligence to raise productivity and strengthen the capacity of the industrial sector.
At the third session, titled ‘AI for Everyone: Solving Real Problems with Local Intelligence’, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasised developing AI agents suited to Bangladesh’s language, culture and way of life while ensuring the inclusion of marginalised communities.
She also called for stronger diplomatic engagement and global partnerships to expand locally developed AI applications.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain proposed establishing a national AI ecosystem through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Among others, Daffodil International University (DIU) Founder and Chairman of its Board of Trustees and former DCCI President Dr Md Sabur Khan, Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General (International Trade, Investment and Technology and ICT) Dr Syed Muntasir Mamun, University of Dhaka CSE Department Chairman Professor Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, Brain Station 23 CEO Raisul Kabir, Markopolo CEO Tasfia Tasbin, Pathao Managing Director Fahim Ahmed, BUET student and NEVOLYN Founder and CEO Md Rahinur Rahman, and IUT student and ANTS Founder and CEO Tausiful Islam spoke at the sessions.
On the occasion, an ‘AI Business Expo’ was also organised, featuring more than 150 AI-based stalls where local and foreign entrepreneurs showcased their products and services.
Young innovators and entrepreneurs from 20 public and private universities across the country also displayed their innovations.
The exhibition provided a platform for exchanging business ideas and developing commercial partnerships among young innovators and local and foreign entrepreneurs, which is expected to create new business opportunities and contribute to the country’s economy.
