After setting a target of 144, Ireland’s run chase got off to a terrific start as they lost Gabby Lewis and Orla Prendergast cheaply for five for two.
Ireland were looking to rebuild through 16-year-old Amy Hunter (33), captain Laura Delany (28) and Ameer Richardson (41), but none of the other batsmen reached double digits as they were bowled out for 129 in the final over.
Bangladesh’s 143 for four was built around the brilliant innings of captain Nigar Sultana, who hit 10 fours and a six in his 53-ball 67, and opener Shamima Sultana, who fell two short of her half-century when She is dismissed lbw by Delany.
Two of the eight participating teams will advance to next year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. World No. 9 Bangladesh is the top-ranked team in the tournament, which also includes 10th-ranked Thailand.
Ireland, ranked 11th in the world, will next face the United States, who lost to Scotland on Sunday. Scotland defeated the United States by 79 runs in their opening qualifying match in Abu Dhabi in next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup.
After scoring 45 for four at the end of the ninth over, Sarah Bryce made 45 off 32 balls while Priyanaz Chatterjee contributed 32 runs off 29 balls to bundle out Scotland for 130 for five.
Katherine Fraser and Saskia Horley then took two wickets each as USA were reduced to 51 in 19.1 overs, with opener Mahika Kandanala top-scoring with just 10. No other USA batsman reached double digits.
Scotland resume their Group A campaign against Bangladesh on Monday, with the United States also in action at the same time they take on Ireland.
The top two teams from the two groups advance to the semi-finals, the winners of those matches advance to the final in South Africa and the T20 World Cup to be held next February.