As Bangladesh accelerates its transition toward a more technology-driven economy, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a transformative force shaping businesses, industries, and economic competitiveness. Moving beyond individual experimentation with generative AI, organizations are increasingly exploring how AI can improve productivity, decision-making, customer engagement, risk management, and operational efficiency. In this issue of the ECRL Monthly Economic & Business Review, we place Bangladesh’s evolving AI landscape at the center of our analysis.
Our cover story, “BANGLADESH’S AI LANDSCAPE: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF READINESS, PROGRESS AND THE PATH TO INTEGRATION,” examines how businesses across Bangladesh are approaching AI adoption, investment, and organizational readiness. The study focuses on organizations that have actively invested in AI or have a clearly planned strategy for adoption, offering a more meaningful assessment of corporate AI readiness. The findings highlight growing interest in AI while also revealing significant differences in preparedness across organizations.
Yet, the transition toward meaningful AI adoption remains at a critical stage. Infrastructure limitations, investment requirements, data availability, workforce capabilities, and organizational readiness continue to present challenges. At the same time, AI offers substantial opportunities for productivity, automation, analytics, decision-making, and long-term competitiveness. Our analysis explores these opportunities while examining what businesses must do to move from experimentation toward strategic and sustainable AI adoption.
Complementing the research, the issue highlights a significant industry presentation delivered by Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed, FCA, & Team, and hosted by Mr. Arifur Rahman, FCCA, FCA, CSAA, CEO, Emerging Credit Rating Limited. The event featured Chief Guest Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, former Finance Secretary, 12th Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh, and former Chairman of Sonali Bank, alongside distinguished panelists Md. Kausar Alam, FCMA, President, ICMAB, and M Obaydur Rahman, FCS, FCGA, LL.M, Director, AAA Finance & Investment Limited. The discussion provided broader perspectives on technology-driven transformation, institutional readiness, and the importance of responsible adoption in strengthening Bangladesh’s economic future.
We also feature expert interviews that bring practical industry perspectives to the research findings. Mr. Ezaz Ahmed, FCMA, Group Chief Financial Officer of TEAM Group, with more than 25 years of experience across finance, taxation, corporate affairs, risk management, and strategic financial planning, shares insights into financial discipline, investment, and organizational preparedness amid technological transformation. Mr. Sheikh Rifat, Founder and Managing Director of Akaar IT Limited, provides a technology-sector perspective based on his experience in enterprise software, ERP, POS, and digital solutions, highlighting Bangladesh’s evolving software industry, digitalization challenges, and the growing influence of AI on businesses.
Together, the research, presentation, and expert interviews featured in this edition highlight a common reality: AI is no longer simply a future technology; it is becoming an increasingly important determinant of corporate competitiveness. The decisions businesses make today regarding technology investment, workforce development, data infrastructure, and responsible AI governance will shape their ability to compete in Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
At ECRL, we remain committed to delivering research-driven insights that help policymakers, business leaders, investors, and other stakeholders navigate these transformative changes. We hope this issue provides a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s AI journey and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as businesses prepare for an increasingly AI-driven future.