Overview
The Advertising Agencies Association of Bangladesh (AAAB) held its Annual General Meeting 2026 at Banani Club, Dhaka. The meeting brought together the Executive Committee, 33 General Members, agency leaders and distinguished guests to review the Association’s progress, approve key governance and financial matters, and discuss priorities for the coming year.
AAAB President Sanaul Arefeen chaired the meeting and delivered the welcome address. He then invited General Secretary Syed Ahsanul Apon to conduct the formal proceedings.
Formal Proceedings and Key Approvals
Members unanimously approved the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held in November 2024. The motion was proposed by Arshad M Choudhury of Searchlite Communications Ltd. and seconded by Sabbir Rahman Tanim of Windmill Advertising.
Syed Ahsanul Apon presented the Annual Report, outlining AAAB’s key activities, strategic initiatives and progress. Its adoption was proposed by Sayeda Umme Salma Jhumur of Ignitia360 Limited and seconded by Rubaiyat Ahsan of Alliant Ltd.
Treasurer Sarah Ali presented the audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025. Their adoption was proposed by Awrup Sanyal of The Mighty Byte Ltd. and seconded by Samiran Mitra of Bizmappers Ltd.
Members also approved the appointment of MJ Abedin & Co. as Auditor for the next financial year at a remuneration of BDT 35,000. The motion was proposed by Imtiaz Ahmed of A Maze Venture and seconded by Murtaza Sujauddin of Madmen Digital.
The proposed budget for 2026, amounting to BDT 16.75 lakhs, was unanimously approved. The motion was proposed by Rubaiyat Ahsan of Alliant Ltd. and seconded by Taufique Mahmud of Mediacom Ltd.
Annual Report Highlights
The Annual Report highlighted 17 Executive Committee meetings, continuing work on the AAAB Constitution and RJSC regularisation, the formation of sub-committees, the onboarding of 28 new member agencies, and professional-development initiatives across finance, strategy, creativity and emerging technology. It also reflected AAAB’s continued engagement with government and regulatory stakeholders on issues affecting the advertising industry.
Members Discussion
Members discussed the timeline for the next Executive Committee elections, AAAB’s potential role in addressing client payment defaults, and future services and benefits for member agencies.
Dr. Muhammad Risalat Siddique provided an update on the AAAB Constitution, explaining that finalisation had been delayed while regulatory and policy developments were being reviewed. He noted that the Constitution would be submitted to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms following the review, after which Executive Committee elections would be held within 90 days in accordance with the applicable provisions.
Awrup Sanyal, Lutfi Haider, Rubaiyat Ahsan, Arefin Spursho and Sabbir Rahman Tanim actively participated in the discussion and shared their perspectives.
Member Engagement and Special Segment
Joint Secretary M A Maruf acknowledged the newly admitted member agencies, introduced the sub-committee members and their respective roles, and encouraged greater participation in AAAB’s activities.
Distinguished guests Ashraf Kaiser, Muneer Ahmed Khan and Geeteara Safiya Choudhury addressed the gathering, sharing their perspectives and expressing continued support for AAAB’s initiatives.
AAAB Leadership Presence
The Executive Committee members present were President Sanaul Arefeen, Vice-President Nazim Farhan Choudhury, General Secretary Syed Ahsanul Apon, Treasurer Sarah Ali, Joint Secretary M A Maruf, Executive Committee Member Meherun Nessa Islam and Executive Committee Member Dr. Muhammad Risalat Siddique.
Closing
Vice-President Nazim Farhan Choudhury delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the members and guests for their participation and continued support. The meeting concluded with a group photograph, followed by dinner.
