The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) organised Bangladesh ArchSummit 2026 at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka. Held under the theme “Co-Creating Cities for All,” the summit brought together architects, academics, students, urban administrators, policymakers, and professionals from the construction industry. The main programme ran from 9 to 11 October, while the accompanying IAB Build Expo 2026 was inaugurated on 8 October. The event aimed to encourage collaboration and exchange ideas on architecture, urban development, and the future of cities.

An important part of the summit was the International Conference on Architectural Education 2026, held on 9 October under the theme “Rethinking Architectural Education for Future Practice.” Discussions covered technology, curriculum development, indigenous knowledge, climate change, environmental responsibility, and the relationship between education and professional practice. The conference highlighted the need to rethink architectural education to prepare future architects for the profession's changing demands.

Panel discussion on “Rethinking Architectural Education for Future Practice” (Photo: Sthapattya O Nirman)

Another key program was “Mayors’ Talks,” where city representatives from Bangladesh and other countries exchanged ideas with architects and urban planners. Discussions focused on urban management, infrastructure, public spaces, and ways to create more environmentally friendly cities. International participants included Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Mayor of Colombo Municipal Council, Sri Lanka; Majed Jamal Amin Abdulfattah, Deputy Mayor of Ramallah, Palestine; and Laxmi Maharjan, Deputy Mayor of Mahalaxmi Municipality in Lalitpur, Nepal. Representatives from several city corporations in Bangladesh, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), and other urban development authorities also took part.

Alongside the summit, IAB Build Expo 2026 showcased construction materials, interior design products, furniture, and different building technologies. The exhibition gave manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and other industry organizations a platform to showcase their products and technologies. Talks, panel discussions, and other activities related to the construction industry were also part of the program.

The summit also featured an Urban Design Hackathon and a Quiz Competition, with participation from architecture departments of universities across Bangladesh. The Department of Architecture at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) won first prize in the Urban Design Hackathon, while the Department of Architecture at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) secured first place in the Quiz Competition.

Other activities included talks by practicing architects, presentations by emerging professionals, and discussions on the construction industry. These programs created opportunities to share new ideas, exchange professional experiences, and highlight the work of the next generation of architects.

Bangladesh ArchSummit 2026 provided an important platform for people from architecture, urban governance, education, and the construction industry to connect and exchange ideas. The discussions highlighted that creating better cities requires more than good architectural design. It also depends on thoughtful planning, effective governance, environmental responsibility, and public participation. Through the combined efforts of architects, planners, public authorities, educational institutions, industry professionals, and communities, cities can become more liveable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly.