Corporate Desk: The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) launched the strategic document “Developing the Semiconductor Industry in Bangladesh” on Thursday, 11 July 2024, at MCCI’s Gulshan office. Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications & Information Technology graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications & Information Technology, attended as the Special Guest. The event was moderated by MCCI Secretary-General and CEO, Mr. Farooq Ahmed.
The report serves as a roadmap for potential investors and policymakers, guiding them on the path to developing the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh. It also refers to the current global leaders in semiconductor design and fabrication, providing valuable insights into their ecosystem.
During his welcome remarks, MCCI President Mr. Kamran T. Rahman highlighted MCCI’s efforts to support the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh. He stated semiconductors were crucial for future industrial ventures. Through this report, MCCI aimed to make a significant contribution to that cause.
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 Mr. 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 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 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.
Special Guest Mr. Md. Shamsul Arefin, mentioned that it was time for making a broad commitment to a high-tech future targeting high economic growth. For the semiconductor industry to flourish, he pointed out the need to have 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.
Chief Guest Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP commended MCCI for its proactive initiative in launching the report. Artificial intelligence, microchip designing, robotics, and cyber security were already identified as the four frontier technologies and focus areas by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser, Mr. Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Therefore, boosting the semiconductor industry could propel Bangladesh to the forefront of technology and progress. He also informed that the development of a nano-laboratory in BUET was in progress. Before concluding, he assured of his ministry’s full support in ensuring Bangladesh’s progress in the semiconductor industry.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from MCCI.
Distinguished individuals from academia, the business community, and media were present at the event.
