AAAB hosts workshop to prepare Bangladeshi creatives for Cannes Lions
Bangladesh’s advertising industry has long been underrepresented on the global stage, despite its immense talent and creativity. To change this, the Advertising Agencies Association of Bangladesh (AAAB) hosted a landmark workshop, “How to Tame Lions” — the first in the country to openly discuss submissions, categories, and winning strategies for international festivals such as Cannes Lions.
The day-long masterclass was led by Mohammad Akrum Hossain, Bangladesh’s most awarded creative professional and current Chief Creative Officer of POP5. With experience as both a Cannes Lions winner and jury member, Akrum was uniquely placed to guide the next generation of Bangladeshi creatives toward global recognition.
The initiative also drew strong international support. Ali Rez, CCO of Impact BBDO for the Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan, and Seiya Matsumura, CEO of Black Cat White Cat Music, joined the workshop online to share invaluable jury and winner insights, while emphasizing that Bangladesh deserves a stronger voice in global advertising.
Participants were further challenged with a live open brief, pitching their solutions before a jury panel that included Simon Islam Shawon (Mediacom), Salahuddin Shahed (Bitopi), Hasib Chowdhury (Adcomm), and Bitop Das Gupta (Grey Bangladesh & Pakistan).
Opening remarks came from Apon Ahsan, General Secretary of AAAB, and M A Maruf, Joint Secretary of AAAB, with the workshop concluding in a crest handover ceremony to Mr. Shaheen.
The success of “How to Tame Lions” marks a turning point for the local industry. For the first time, Bangladesh’s creative community has had direct access to the knowledge and tools needed to compete at the world’s highest level. With overwhelming interest, AAAB has already announced a second edition, reinforcing its mission to secure Bangladesh’s rightful place on the global creative map.
