Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced Saturday that his administration has embarked on a sweeping initiative to capitalize on the semiconductor industry, framing it as Bangladesh’s next major driver of economic expansion following the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Semiconductor Symposium and Biotechnology, Electronics, AI and Robotics (BEAR) Summit-2026 at the capital’s Novo Theatre, the Prime Minister emphasized the transformative potential of the high-tech sector.

“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,” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated.

Underscoring the significance of the gathering, the premier described the conference as far more than a routine event, defining it as a assembly of visionaries tasked with shaping a technology-driven nation.

“Bangladeshi expatriates have been demonstrating their excellence in different countries around the world. Many of them have taken the initiative to participate in this important summit,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that the administration aims to establish a self-reliant, prosperous, and technology-focused country.

Characterizing semiconductors as the bedrock of modern advancement amidst the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, Tarique Rahman remarked, “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.”

Pointing to the immense commercial scope of the international market, the premier highlighted, “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.”

While affirming that the administration views the chip industry as a top national priority, the Prime Minister clarified that its growth cannot rely solely on a single entity.

“We consider the semiconductor industry a national priority sector. However, developing this industry is not the responsibility of any single ministry or institution; it is a collective national mission,” he asserted.

He further elaborated that reaching this goal demands close collaboration among government ministries, academic institutions, research centers, corporate leaders, local entrepreneurs, and expatriate experts.

Highlighting policy measures already underway, the Prime Minister revealed that the current national budget has completely eliminated all import duties and taxes on raw materials required for semiconductor manufacturing.

Additionally, steps are being finalized to roll out cash incentives on export earnings generated through semiconductor design services.

To foster youth entrepreneurship, the premier announced, “For the first time, the government has allocated Tk five crore annually as startup grants to support new innovations, and its distribution process has already begun.”

Reassuring prospective investors, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the administration is working tirelessly to grant tax-free bonded facilities and specialized infrastructure designed to attract domestic and foreign capital.

Alongside upgrading existing high-tech parks, plans are also being drawn up to construct a dedicated biotechnology park.

Acknowledging existing skill deficits and fierce global competition, the premier expressed confidence in the nation's resolve. “Despite various limitations, we have an indomitable determination to move forward. We will achieve this goal by relying on our talent, skilled youth and innovative capacity,” he said.

“The government will stand by you with all its capabilities to help turn your dreams and determination into reality,” he assured the audience.

Looking ahead to the outcomes of the summit, the Prime Minister added, “I hope this conference will create new partnerships, research initiatives and investment opportunities that will take Bangladesh’s technology sector much further.”

Following his speech, the premier formally inaugurated the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit-2026.

He later participated in a group photo session with domestic and international delegates before touring exhibition stalls where students and startup founders showcased cutting-edge projects across semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, health technologies, intelligent platforms, and other deep-tech industries.

The event is jointly organized by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Silicon River Bangladesh initiative under the theme “Building Bangladesh's Semiconductor Future through Global Partnerships.”

The opening ceremony was addressed by Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, ICT, and Science and Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam, as well as Prime Minister's Adviser on Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Other key speakers included BSIA President M.A. Jabbar, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain, and Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, who serves as Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative.

The two-day conference will conclude tomorrow with the Christie Fellowship Research Symposium, featuring presentations from up-and-coming Bangladeshi researchers displaying their latest breakthroughs in semiconductor technology.