TDS Desk

A high-level taskforce on the semiconductor sector will work with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to develop a roadmap for sectoral growth, focusing on testing, assembly, and scaling up chip design capabilities.

The decision was adopted in a stakeholder meeting titled “Semiconductors – A New Frontier for the Bangladesh Economy and Employment,” chaired by M Siraz Uddin Miah, principal secretary to the chief adviser, at BIDA Headquarters in the capital  on Wednesday, said a press release.

Siraz Uddin Miah said the government is forming a taskforce with representatives from industry, academics, the diaspora, and government to identify barriers and recommend actionable solutions.

He urged stakeholders to leverage BIDA as a one-stop platform to align government policies and priorities.

Mashuque Rahman, founder of Green Quest, delivered the keynote presentation, highlighting priority areas within the semiconductor value chain and recommendations for growth.

Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of BIDA and BEZA, said Bangladesh currently generates approximately $6 million annually from semiconductor activities, primarily through integrated circuit design services.

“However, the downstream stages of packaging, assembly, and testing offer immediate opportunities for expansion. Based on today’s discussions, our next steps will focus on policy development, promotion, and capacity building,” he added.

Mohammed Enayetur Rahman, founder and CEO of ULKASEMI, said, “Besides updating our university curricula, we have to enhance our style of teaching and make sure our students are taking the knowledge home. We are willing to engage further with university students to help them understand the job description.”