Desk Report: The 12th edition of the Digital Summit, one of Bangladesh’s premier knowledge-sharing platforms for digital marketing and communications professionals, brought together industry leaders, marketers, media strategists, and technology experts in Dhaka on Saturday to discuss the future of digital transformation in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), data, and evolving consumer expectations.

Organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum at Le Méridien Dhaka, the day-long summit was held under the theme “Rethinking Digital – Strategy, Story & Science.” Presented by Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) and powered by Walton Refrigerator, the event featured three keynote sessions, three panel discussions, three insight sessions, two case studies, and an expert deep dive.

The summit focused on how brands can remain relevant and build stronger consumer relationships amid rapid technological change, platform disruption, and the growing influence of AI across business and marketing functions.

In his opening remarks, SajidMahbub, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Editor of Bangladesh Brand Forum, said digital technology has evolved beyond being merely a marketing channel and now serves as a foundation for business growth, trust, and relevance.

“Digital is no longer a channel or a function. It has become the foundation upon which businesses build relevance, trust, and growth,” he said, emphasizing the need for organizations to combine strategic thinking, creative excellence, and data-driven intelligence to stay competitive.

The keynote sessions featured prominent industry figures, including TanveerFaruq, Chief Executive Officer of Kazi Media Ltd.; DrabirAlam, Chief Operating Officer and Director of X – Integrated Marketing Agency; and SalehGhanayem, Head of METAP (Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Pakistan) Emerging Market Partnership at TikTok.

Their discussions explored a range of topics, including human-centered growth in an algorithm-driven environment, social-first marketing strategies, the rise of the creator economy, the transformative role of artificial intelligence in business, changing consumer behaviour, and the future of brand engagement.

The summit also examined broader trends reshaping modern marketing, including the growing application of AI throughout the customer journey, the transition from attention-driven marketing to intelligence-driven engagement, and the emergence of new digital discovery ecosystems. Speakers highlighted the importance of integrating data, creativity, and technology to drive sustainable business growth.

Among the distinguished panelists and experts were AhsanurRahman, MunafMojibChowdhury, SayedaUmme Salma Jhumur, MahadiHasanSagor, Imtiaz Khan Emran, YaseenNur, andRafiuddin Ahmed, among others.

Since its inception in 2014, the Digital Summit has established itself as a key platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among Bangladesh’s digital marketing and communications community. Organisers said the 12th edition continued that legacy by bringing together industry stakeholders to examine how strategy, storytelling, and science can collectively shape the future of digital transformation.

The event was supported by several strategic and knowledge partners, including Aleph Group, International Advertising Association Bangladesh (IAAB), Asia Marketing Federation (AMF), and Marketing Society of Bangladesh (MSB). Other partners included Turkish Airlines as the official carrier and Backpage PR as the PR partner.