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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop Bangladesh’s semiconductor industry, describing it as the country’s next major economic growth engine after the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
“The semiconductor industry could emerge as Bangladesh’s next promising economic sector after the RMG industry. The government has already started implementing comprehensive plans, including creating a business-friendly environment, to transform this next major driver of economic prosperity into reality,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the National Semiconductor Symposium and Bangladesh Electronics, AI and Robotics (BEAR) Summit-2026 at the Novo Theatre in Dhaka.
Calling the two-day event more than a conventional conference, Tarique Rahman said it had brought together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and expatriate professionals who would help shape a technology-driven Bangladesh.
“Bangladeshi expatriates have been demonstrating their excellence around the world. Many of them have taken the initiative to participate in this important summit,” he said, reaffirming the government’s vision of building a self-reliant, prosperous and knowledge-based economy.
Describing semiconductors as the backbone of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, the Prime Minister said chips are now indispensable in virtually every modern technology, from artificial intelligence and robotics to data centres, renewable energy, medical equipment, smartphones and satellites.
Highlighting the sector’s commercial potential, he said the global semiconductor market is projected to reach nearly US$1 trillion by 2026, creating significant opportunities for Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh has immense opportunities in this vast market, and I believe the country will be able to achieve its targeted export earnings from this sector by 2030,” he said.
Tarique Rahman described semiconductor development as a national priority, stressing that success would require coordinated efforts from government agencies, universities, research institutions, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and Bangladeshi experts working abroad.
“We consider the semiconductor industry a national priority sector. However, developing this industry is not the responsibility of any single ministry or institution; it is a collective national mission,” he said.
To support the industry’s growth, the Prime Minister highlighted several policy initiatives introduced by the government.
He said the latest national budget has removed all taxes and duties on raw materials used in semiconductor manufacturing, while export-oriented semiconductor design services will receive cash incentives.
To encourage innovation among young entrepreneurs, the government has also introduced an annual Tk 5 crore startup grant programme, with disbursement already underway.
Seeking to attract both domestic and foreign investment, Tarique Rahman said the government is working to provide tax-free bonded facilities and specialised infrastructure for high-tech industries.
“In addition to modernising our existing high-tech parks, we also plan to establish a new biotech park,” he said.
Acknowledging challenges such as the shortage of skilled professionals and intense global competition, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that Bangladesh could overcome these obstacles through its talented youth and expanding innovation ecosystem.
“Despite various limitations, we have an indomitable determination to move forward. We will achieve this goal by relying on our talent, skilled youth and innovative capacity,” he said, assuring entrepreneurs of full government support.
“The government will stand by you with all its capabilities to help turn your dreams and determination into reality,” he added.
Expressing hope that the summit would produce concrete outcomes, Tarique Rahman said it would foster new research collaborations, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities capable of accelerating Bangladesh’s transition into a regional technology hub.
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister joined local and international delegates for a photo session before touring exhibition booths showcasing innovations in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare technology, intelligent systems and other deep-tech sectors developed by students, researchers and startup companies.
The summit has been jointly organised by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Silicon River Bangladesh programme under the theme, “Building Bangladesh’s Semiconductor Future through Global Partnerships.”
The inaugural session was also addressed by Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, BSIA President M.A. Jabbar, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain, and Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, who serves as Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative.
The summit will conclude on Sunday with the Christie Fellowship Research Symposium, where emerging Bangladeshi researchers are scheduled to present their latest findings in semiconductor science and technology.
