DHAKA, July 11, 2024 (BSS)-State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications & Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak today said that boosting of semiconductor industry could propel Bangladesh to the forefront of technology and progress. 

Palak said this while addressing the launching of the strategic document of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) titled “Developing the Semiconductor Industry in Bangladesh” as chief guest at the MCCI office here. 

Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division attended the function as special guest. The event was moderated by MCCI secretary general and CEO Farooq Ahmed.

The State Minister said that the country’s engineers need proper training for the development of the semiconductor industry.

He said it is possible to create some 10,000 experts in the country over the next one decade through imparting proper training on microchip, designing, semiconductor, basic AI and future frontier technology.

Palak informed that a state-of-the art Nano lab would be set up on BUET campus through spending around $10 million.

He commended MCCI for its proactive initiative in launching the report. 

The State Minister said artificial intelligence, microchip designing, robotics, and cyber security were already identified as the four frontier technologies and focus areas by the Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy. 

Before concluding, he assured of his ministry’s full support in ensuring Bangladesh’s progress in the semiconductor industry.

The MCCI’s report serves as a roadmap for potential investors and policymakers, guiding them on the path to developing the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh. 

It also referred to the current global leaders in semiconductor design and fabrication, providing valuable insights into their ecosystem.

Md. Shamsul Arefin mentioned that it was high time for making a broad commitment to a high-tech future targeting the high economic growth. 

For the semiconductor industry to flourish, he stressed the need for having a comprehensive national policy, tax breaks and subsidies, strengthened intellectual property laws and their enforcements, the availability of clean rooms, testing laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and the promotion of locally manufactured semiconductor chips.  

While delivering the welcome remarks, MCCI President Kamran T. Rahman highlighted the MCCI's efforts to support the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh. 

He stated that the semiconductors were crucial for future industrial ventures. “Through this report, MCCI aimed to make a significant contribution to that cause.” he added. 

A presentation was given by Dr. Yusuf Haque, Chief Technology Officer and Co Founder, eXo Imaging Inc. (USA), on how to bring semiconductor related technology to Bangladesh. 

Dr. M. Rokonuzzaman, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North South University, gave a presentation highlighting the key features of the report. He believed delving into the industry could help Bangladesh evade the middle-income trap while pursuing progress.

During his intervention, MCCI Senior Vice-President Habibullah N. Karim said that the report will be more than an academic guide for the semiconductor industry. 

“It will also provide guidance on mobilizing investment, policy frameworks, and resources,” he added.

Karim also expressed great optimism regarding the industry's potential to reach a billion-dollar valuation. Through this report, MCCI aimed to encourage more individuals to join the semiconductor industry and nurture a supportive ecosystem.

An open discussion also took place during this part of the event. 

Topics that came up for discussion include the kinds of skills required for the semiconductor industry, having regular monitoring and evaluation of the set objectives, the availability of research and development grants with tax rebates, the setting up of a lead agency responsible for the implementation of the plans involving all stakeholders, the development of Bangladesh’s own intellectual property in the semiconductor industry, the ‘brain drain’ challenge, and the accommodation of local metallurgical engineers in the semiconductor industry.

Distinguished individuals from academia, the business community were present at the event.