Call for Session Proposals and Speakers: 21st Bangladesh Annual Internet Governance Forum 2026

Calling Government Agencies, Private Sector/Industry, CSO's, Technical, Academia, Media and Community Groups to host sessions at the 21st Bangladesh Annual Internet Governance Forum 2026 | 15, 16 & 17 October 2026.

21st Bangladesh Annual Internet Governance Forum 2026 Jointly Organized by the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

We respectfully invite you to submit your session proposal (only for Bangladesh), accompanied by a brief rationale that aligns with the BIGF2026 theme. Kindly submit your proposal by 20 September 2026 using the online form below: https://forms.gle/p9NPhVeuuhCi9mq56

We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of internet governance.

Overarching Theme: “Governing the Internet in the Age of Intelligence: Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Human-Centric Digital Future”

As Bangladesh advances its digital transformation journey, BIGF 2026 will provide multistakeholder platform to explore artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, inclusive digital development, trusted digital ecosystems, and collaborative governance can contribute to sustainable development, digital resilience, and a safe, secure, and inclusive digital future for Bangladesh and the region.

We invite proposals that are innovative, inclusive, and action-oriented, fostering meaningful multistakeholder dialogue and contributing to practical policy outcomes.

Youth, Gender and Inclusive Participation in Internet Governance Sub-Themes: Session proposals should address one or more of the following thematic areas:

Core Thematic Tracks

AI Policy & Strategy, Emerging Technologies & Human-Centric Governance

Explores responsible and ethical AI governance, AI safety, accountability, transparency and human rights, while promoting innovation that responds to Bangladesh’s social, economic and development priorities. Particular attention will be given to local-language AI, algorithmic accountability, inclusion and AI observatory, equitable access to emerging technologies.

Data Governance, Trust, Cybersecurity & Digital Resilience

Focuses on building a trusted and resilient digital ecosystem through effective data governance, privacy and personal data protection, combating TFGBV, cybersecurity, responsible cross-border data flows, critical infrastructure protection and national digital resilience. It will also examine how Bangladesh can strengthen digital sovereignty while remaining connected to the global digital economy.

Digital Inclusion, Capacity Building & Meaningful Connectivity

Addresses Bangladesh’s persistent digital divides across geography, gender, disability, income and age. The focus will be on meaningful and affordable connectivity, digital and AI literacy, gender equality, youth participation, accessibility, community-based connectivity and skills required for an inclusive digital economy.

Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Public Goods & Interoperability

Examines how Bangladesh can develop inclusive, secure and interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure while strengthening digital identity, digital payments, data exchange and citizen-centered public services. The discussion will emphasize open standards, Digital Public Goods, privacy, security, institutional accountability and whole-of-society participation.

Digital Transformation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development

Explores how digital technologies, connectivity, data and AI can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh in line with SDG 9.c. Digital Transformation and ICT Industry Development. Priority areas include education, health, agriculture, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, employment, social protection, public service delivery and the green and digital economy.

Digital Democracy, Law and Human Rights

Examines how digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping democracy, the rule of law and the exercise of human rights in Bangladesh. The discussion will address freedom of expression, privacy and data protection, access to information, digital and AI-enabled surveillance, misinformation and disinformation, AI-generated content and deepfakes, and the safety of journalists and human rights defenders. Particular attention will be given to platform and algorithmic accountability, responsible and rights-based AI governance, media and information literacy, and ensuring that technological innovation strengthens democratic                           participation, transparency, accountability and fundamental rights.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

 Relevance to the BIGF 2026 theme

  • Multistakeholder diversity
  • Gender balance
  • Youth participation
  • Regional representation
  • Interactive session design
  • Policy relevance
  • Innovation
  • Feasibility

Programme Overview

The Forum will commence on 14 October 2026 with Day 0 online activities, providing dedicated spaces for capacity building, community networking, and stakeholder engagement. Special sessions will be organized for youth, children, parliamentarians, members of the judiciary, newcomers, and other stakeholder groups ahead of the official Forum programme.

The official BIGF 2026 programme will take place from 15–17 October 2026 and The programme will feature a variety of interactive session formats, including::

  • High-Level Policy Dialogues
  • Leaders Track
  • Intergenerational Dialogue
  • Interactive Workshops
  • Plenary Sessions/ Discussions
  • Open Forums
  • Networking and Partnership Opportunities

Criteria for Session Evaluation

The Session proposals would be evaluated based on the following criteria.

Relevance of the Proposed Topic

How relevant is the proposed topic to Internet Governance, the Bangladesh context and is it aligned with one of the 4 sub-themes and the overarching theme of BIGF-2025.

Session Content

Does the Session proposal clearly provide the requested information on the relevant issues to be discussed, the intended discussion outcomes, etc.? Is the Session description aligned to the topic proposed?

Inclusion and Diversity

Does the proposed Session represent viewpoints from multiple stakeholders and provide diverse cultural, gender and geographical perspectives including disability groups. Are there multiple stakeholder groups on the panel? Are the listed panellists qualified to represent various distinct stakeholder groups and the topic being discussed?

 

Noting the need for better representation of and from the technical community in the past editions of the BIGF, the Theme Committee encourages proposals that actively engage the technical community, fostering inclusive dialogue and driving innovation in internet governance. The BIGF aims to create a platform for diverse perspectives, including those from the technical community.

Engagement

Does the format selected, the number of speakers and the length of the proposed Session support participation from the audience? Does the proposal provide details of how the session will be run to promote discussion and engagement from the audience? Does the proposal state how to incorporate remote participation and contributions into the discussion? 

 

BIGF2025 Theme Committee strongly encourages a strong focus on submitting quality Session proposals to enhance the chance to be selected.

 

Upon evaluation the Theme Committee of BIGF 2025 may suggest selected Sessions with thematically similar proposals to form mergers. This is to accommodate more diverse and quality sessions on the program agenda. However, Session proposers are under no obligation to accept a merger but may carry a risk of losing the opportunity to conduct their session.

3.

Enhance Cybersecurity:

Raise awareness about cybersecurity threats and promote the establishment of robust cybersecurity measures to protect users.

4.

Protect Data Privacy

Advocate for policies that safeguard individuals' personal data and promote transparency in data handling.

Submit a Session Proposal

Organizations, institutions, networks, and individuals are encouraged to submit proposals that promote diverse participation, cross-sector collaboration. innovation, and actionable outcomes for Bangladesh’s digital future. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, youth leader, civil society advocate, technical expert, academic, parliamentarian, member of the judiciary, or private sector representative, your contribution can help shape the future of Internet governance in Bangladesh and the wider region.

BIGF 2026 welcomes innovative, inclusive, and forward-looking proposals that foster meaningful multistakeholder dialogue, strengthen cooperation, and contribute to shaping a safe, trusted, and human-centric digital future for Bangladesh.

Important Dates

Call for Session Proposals Opens: 25 August 2026

Submission Deadline: 20 September 2026

Review and Selection Process Deadline: 27 September 2026

Notification of Accepted Sessions Deadline : 30 September 2026

Submit your session proposal and speaker nominations through the official BIGF 2026 Session Submission Platform.

Submit Proposal Here (https://forms.gle/p9NPhVeuuhCi9mq56)

We look forward to receiving your proposals and welcoming you to BIGF 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

3.

Enhance Cybersecurity:

Raise awareness about cybersecurity threats and promote the establishment of robust cybersecurity measures to protect users.

4.

Protect Data Privacy

Advocate for policies that safeguard individuals' personal data and promote transparency in data handling.