12th Digital Summit explores next phase of digital transformation

Bangladesh Brand Forum convened leading digital marketers, advertising and brand professionals, agency leaders, media strategists and communication experts at the 12th Digital Summit at Le Méridien Dhaka on Saturday to chart the next phase of digital transformation in Bangladesh.

Presented by Meghna Group of Industries and powered by Walton Refrigerator, the day-long summit centred on the theme "Rethinking Digital: Strategy, Story and Science".

Discussions explored how artificial intelligence, evolving consumer expectations and rapid platform disruption are reshaping the digital landscape. Participants examined strategies for brands to stay relevant, deepen consumer connections and create long-term value as creativity and technology converge.

The programme included three keynote sessions, three panel discussions, three insight sessions, two case studies and an expert deep dive.

In his opening remarks, Bangladesh Brand Forum Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Editor Sajid Mahbub said digital is no longer merely a channel or a function.

"It has become the foundation upon which businesses build relevance, trust and growth. As technology continues to reshape markets and consumer behaviour, organisations must combine strategic clarity, creative excellence and data-driven intelligence to remain competitive," he said.

"The objective of this summit is to foster meaningful dialogue and actionable learning to help leaders navigate this transformation with confidence," he added.

Keynote speakers included Kazi Media Ltd Chief Executive Officer Tanveer Faruq; X – Integrated Marketing Agency Chief Operating Officer and Director Drabir Alam; and TikTok Head of Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Pakistan, Emerging Market Partnership, Saleh Ghanayem.

Topics ranged from human-centred growth in an algorithm-driven world and social-first marketing to the evolution of digital advertising, the rise of the creator economy, artificial intelligence as a business enabler, shifting consumer behaviour and brand engagement.

The summit also examined artificial intelligence throughout the customer journey, the transition from attention-driven marketing to intelligence-led engagement, new discovery ecosystems and the imperative to integrate data, creativity and technology.

Featured speakers included Aleph Group, Inc Partner Director – Google Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Ahsanur Rahman; Axentec PLC Head of Brand and Communication and Ekshathe Foundation, Founder Munaf Mojib Chowdhury; Ignitia 360 Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sayeda Umme Salma Jhumur; GEEKY Social, Managing Director, Mahadi Hasan Sagor; FCB Bitopi, Executive Director Imtiaz Khan Emran; Fastcom AI, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Yaseen Nur; and North South University School of Business and Economics, Professor of Marketing Rafiuddin Ahmed, among others.

Since its inception in 2014, the Digital Summit has become one of Bangladesh's premier knowledge-sharing platforms for digital marketers, communication professionals and business leaders.

Bangladesh Brand Forum said the 12th edition extended this legacy by uniting strategy, storytelling and data-driven thinking in a comprehensive discussion on the future of digital.

Meghna Group of Industries served as the presenting partner, with Walton Refrigerator as the powering partner. Strategic partners included Aleph Group, Inc, BBF CMO Club, International Advertising Association Bangladesh, and Asia Marketing Federation. Marketing Society of Bangladesh was the knowledge partner; Le Méridien Dhaka, the hospitality partner; Turkish Airlines, the official carrier partner; and Backpage PR, the public relations partner.