The familiar hum of combustion engines was noticeably absent this year in the Dhaka Motor Show 2026. In its place: a quieter, more deliberate buzz that was powered by batteries, software, and ambition.
Held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) from April 23 to 25, the three-day exhibition brought together, according to the organisers, over 70 companies from more than 10 countries across nearly 200 booths. Across the exhibition halls, internal combustion engines felt like an afterthought. Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid platforms, charging solutions, and 'smart mobility' technologies dominated nearly every pavilion.
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Photos: Md. Zahidur Rabbi
Previous editions of the Dhaka Motor Show often struggled to balance spectacle with substance. Last year’s show, for instance, drew criticism for lacking enthusiast appeal and meaningful engagement. This year, the organisers seem to have accepted that shift rather than resist it. The exhibition floor showcased everything from passenger vehicles and motorcycles to trucks, auto parts, lubricants, and battery-powered three-wheelers. This year, electric mobility emerged as one of the biggest talking points as brands attempted to position themselves in Bangladesh’s still-nascent EV market.
From electric motorcycles to compact city EVs and concept-driven mobility solutions, the lineup reflected a market in transition. The parallel hosting of the Electric Vehicle Expo alongside the Motor Show helped reinforce the theme: electrification is no longer a niche; it is the main event. Manufacturers highlighted not just vehicles, but ecosystems like battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and digital interfaces. The language of torque and displacement has been replaced by range, charging time, and connectivity.
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Photos: Farhan Musfique
Global and regional brands like MG, Wuling, Deepal, and GAC showcased EV models tailored to urban realities that emphasise smaller footprints. Electric two-wheelers of CFMoto and VMoto, as well as light commercial EVs, were also featured prominently. Traditional automakers, however, still dominated visitor attention. Toyota drew crowds with its hybrid vehicle lineup, displaying the new RAV4. Mitsubishi Motors and Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh showcased their lineup with the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Mercedes G580. Visitors also gathered around newly launched models such as Wuling Cortez, AION V, while motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to test ride models such as STASH and TS Street Hunter.
The Dhaka Motor Show has always been a reflection of where the country’s automotive sector stands. This year, it offered a clear signal: Bangladesh is aligning itself with global mobility trends, even if the infrastructure is still catching up. Challenges remain, like high upfront costs, limited charging networks, and policy gaps. But the direction is unmistakable. And for better or worse, the era of the gearhead may be giving way to the era of the early adopter.
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Photos: Md. Zahidur Rabbi
