The House of Learning & Donating (HOLD) hosted the MY WINDOW presents “Hold AI Summit 2026” powered by AI4BT, bringing together business leaders, brand and marketing experts, HR professionals, technology experts, policymakers and academics to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces, industries and Bangladesh’s future competitiveness.
Held in Dhaka, the summit focused on the practical applications of AI and its growing impact on careers, business operations, public services and the wider economy.
The program opened with a welcome address by Muhammad Nur E Alam, founder of Hold and a human resources professional and social worker.
He spoke about the need for Bangladesh to approach AI through responsible and inclusive adoption, while ensuring that individuals and organizations are equipped to benefit from the technology.
The summit featured discussions on the application of AI across several areas.
Imteaz Mustafa, head of OD & talent management at Fakir Fashion Ltd., spoke on ‘AI for HR Professionals’, focusing on the changing role of AI in human resource management and the workplace.
A session titled ‘AI Leadership: From Awareness to Action’ was led by Sadiq M Alam, Odoo ERP functional consultant and enterprise AI expert, and Md Mahmudul Hassan, CEO and AI transformation consultant at AI4BT Global.
The session examined how organizations can move beyond awareness of AI towards practical adoption and transformation.
The summit also featured ‘AI Cyber Security Solutions’, presented by Md Mahabubur Rahman Bhuiyan, DIG (PRL), and adviser for security, crisis management & international affairs.
The central panel discussion, titled ‘Bangladesh’s AI Leaders Discuss What’s Next — for Careers, Businesses, and the Country’s Competitive Edge’, brought together experts from healthcare, business transformation, government, renewable energy and financial services.
The panel featured Prof Mohammed Shadrul Alam, former additional director general (admin), Directorate General of Medical Education; Group Captain Md Abul Hossain, (retd), AI business-transformation advocate, educator and senior strategic leader; ASM Mahbubul Alam, former secretary; M Rafiqul Islam, renewable energy expert; and Md Faisal Hossain, Group CTO of BD Finance PLC.
The discussion was moderated by Md Redwanul Haq, senior general manager at Robi.
The panel examined how AI could influence Bangladesh over the next five to 10 years, with discussions covering public services, business productivity, workforce transformation, healthcare, energy, financial services, cybersecurity and national competitiveness.
Tarif Mohammed Khan, head of communications at Dekko ISHO Venture Capital and National Mentor & Coach, who attended the summit, said: “This was an important initiative on a highly relevant topic. The summit gave us a comprehensive understanding of what is happening across different industries today in terms of AI and its practical applications. In the days ahead, AI will not be our competitor; rather, it will become a partner in our work.”
For Hold, the summit was part of its broader focus on learning, knowledge-sharing and creating opportunities for underserved communities.
The organization sees greater awareness and practical understanding of emerging technologies as increasingly important to preparing individuals and organizations for a rapidly changing economy.