Published: 12:36 AM, 26 July 2026
Semiconductor sector next growth engine: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday described the semiconductor industry as Bangladesh's next major economic growth engine after the ready-made garment sector.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR (Bangladesh Electronics, AI and Robotics) Summit-2026 at the Novo Theatre in the capital on Saturday morning.
The premier urged government agencies, universities, industry and development partners to work together to build the sector.
Tarique Rahman said, "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He announced that all taxes and duties on raw materials required for semiconductor manufacturing have been withdrawn in the current national budget, while initiatives have been taken to introduce cash incentives for export earnings from semiconductor design services.
Calling semiconductors the foundation of modern civilisation in the era of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, Tarique Rahman said, "From artificial intelligence, robotics, data centres, renewable energy and medical equipment to mobile phones and satellites in space, chips or semiconductors are indispensable in every field."
Highlighting the enormous potential of the global semiconductor market, the prime minister said, "The global semiconductor market is expected to reach nearly one trillion US dollars by 2026. 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."
The premier also announced plans to modernise existing high-tech parks and build a dedicated biotechnology park, saying the government would continue supporting the sector despite challenges such as skills shortages, limited laboratory facilities and investment constraints.
Later, the prime minister formally inaugurated the National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit-2026.
He also joined a photo session with local and foreign delegates attending the summit and toured the exhibition booths, where students and startup entrepreneurs showcased innovations in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare technology, intelligent systems and other deep-tech sectors.
The two-day summit is being organised jointly 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.'
Minister for Posts and Telecommunications, ICT Division and Science and Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad addressed the inaugural session.
It was also addressed by the President of the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association M.A. Jabbar, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain, and Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative and Professor of Purdue University Muhammad Mustafa Hussain.
