PM Inaugurates National Semiconductor Symposium

PM inaugurates National Semiconductor Symposium, BEAR Summit-2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR (Bangladesh Electronics, AI and Robotics) Summit-2026, underscoring Bangladesh's ambition to emerge as a global hub for semiconductor and deep-tech innovation.

The prime minister formally opened the event at the Novo Theatre in Dhaka at 11:15am, marking the start of the summit's inaugural session. A documentary showcasing Bangladesh's semiconductor journey and the symposium's goals was screened at the opening.

Held under the theme "Building Bangladesh's Semiconductor Future through Global Partnerships," the summit has been jointly organised by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Silicon River Bangladesh programme.

The two-day event aims to highlight Bangladesh's growing capabilities in semiconductors, biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics while promoting investment, human resource development and international collaboration.

Government policymakers, global semiconductor executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, academics, investors and Bangladeshi professionals from abroad gathered at the summit to help shape the country's long-term strategy for the semiconductor and deep-tech sectors.

Key discussions centred on developing a skilled workforce, strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, expanding global partnerships, boosting research and innovation, enhancing manufacturing capacity and accelerating the commercialisation of deep-tech technologies.

The summit also featured representatives from GlobalFoundries, NXP, Applied Materials, SanDisk, Credo and the Vietnam Semiconductor Alliance and Partnership.

Following the inauguration, the prime minister toured exhibition booths displaying innovations in semiconductors, AI, robotics, healthcare technology, intelligent systems and other deep-tech fields developed by students and startup entrepreneurs.

Minister for Posts and Telecommunications, ICT Division and Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad addressed the inaugural session. They were joined by BSIA President M.A. Jabbar, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain, and Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, who is Chief Architect of the Silicon River Initiative.

The summit will conclude tomorrow with the Christie Fellowship Research Symposium, where young Bangladeshi researchers will present their latest work in semiconductor technology.

Organisers are also set to unveil eight strategic national documents, including recommendations for the semiconductor sector, the Talent Roadmap 2030, Ecosystem Roadmap, International Partnership Framework, Deep-Tech Priority Sectors and Commercialisation Framework, which are expected to serve as a long-term roadmap for developing Bangladesh's semiconductor and deep-tech industries.