Bangladesh Aims to Establish Semiconductor Industry as Key Economic Driver

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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has identified the semiconductor industry as the next frontier for Bangladesh’s economic growth, envisioning it to follow in the footsteps of the nation’s robust garment sector. Speaking at the opening of the National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit 2026 at the capital’s Novo Theatre on Saturday, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government has already initiated a comprehensive plan, including the creation of a business-friendly environment, to establish Bangladesh as a global hub for semiconductor and deep-tech innovation.

Highlighting the critical role of semiconductors in the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions, the Prime Minister noted that chips are essential to the functionality of everything from artificial intelligence, robotics, and data centers to medical technology and space exploration. With the global semiconductor market projected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2026, the government views this as a vital opportunity to bolster national exports, with the Prime Minister expressing confidence that specific revenue targets for the sector can be achieved by 2030.

The development of the semiconductor industry is being framed as a national mission rather than the concern of a single ministry. Success, the Prime Minister asserted, will require a synergistic effort between the government, academia, research institutions, industry leaders, and the Bangladeshi diaspora. To accelerate this growth, the current budget has abolished all taxes and duties on raw materials imported for the semiconductor industry, while new cash incentives are being introduced for semiconductor design service exports.

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To foster a self-reliant and technology-driven economy, the government has launched a 500-crore taka startup grant program aimed at young entrepreneurs. Furthermore, authorities are working to attract both domestic and foreign investment by providing bonded warehouse facilities and building specialized infrastructure. Plans are underway to modernize existing high-tech parks and construct a new biotech park to meet the demands of this high-growth sector.

The two-day summit, themed “Building Bangladesh’s Semiconductor Future through Global Partnerships,” is organized by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Silicon River Bangladesh. Alongside the symposium, the BEAR Innovation Expo 2026 features 35 stalls showcasing student and startup innovations in robotics, health tech, and AI. Acknowledging the stiff international competition, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s talented youth and innovative drive provide a significant competitive edge, pledging unwavering government support to transform the nation into a key player in the global technology landscape.