Experts Call for Academia–Industry Synergy to Position Bangladesh in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain
Bangladesh does not lack talented students; what is needed is to equip them with the right skills to establish the country’s semiconductor sector on the global stage. Experts have emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between industry and academia, with a strong focus on skills development. To this end, they called for the establishment of modern laboratories across all universities, increased research funding, and the inclusion of experienced faculty members. At the same time, entrepreneurs stressed the need for big-tech-friendly policies and urged confidence in addressing challenges such as AI packaging and digital twin technologies.
These views were expressed during a panel discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Position in the Global Semiconductor and Deep-Tech Value Chain: From Consumer to Producer,” held on Thursday, January 29, at the Windy Town Hall of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.
The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Dr. Touhidur Rahman of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at BRAC University. Speakers included MA Jabbar, President of the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA); Dr. Nadim Chowdhury, Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); Lin Hai (Heaven), Vice President and Board Director of Huawei South Asia; Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); and Rudmila Naushin, Founder and CEO of ConfigVR and ConfigRbot.
Joining the discussion virtually, Professor Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hossain of Purdue University, USA, said that many Bangladeshis are already working at the highest levels of the global semiconductor industry. “We want to accelerate Bangladesh’s progress in this sector worldwide. That is why I have joined this program, even late at night,” he said.
He further noted that semiconductors are an innovation-driven sector, with most innovations originating from university research. To prepare talented students for this field and establish Bangladesh within the global semiconductor ecosystem, he stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the government, academia, and non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).
MA Jabbar said that deep tech is not an easy domain, but semiconductors could be Bangladesh’s next major opportunity. However, he pointed out a lack of practical experience in the country. Initiatives such as CREST and the BEAR Summit have helped inject momentum, but policy support is now crucial. “If industry and academia can work together, the potential is immense,” he added.
He further explained that under the semiconductor value chain, Bangladesh is focusing on design, fabrication, packaging, and testing—alongside skills development, which he described as equally important. With local and foreign joint partnerships, Bangladesh could move into semiconductor packaging. “Now we must work collectively on company growth, skills development, and employment generation,” he said.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at BIDA, acknowledged that Bangladesh is significantly behind in the semiconductor sector, noting that there is no alternative to skills development if the country is to move forward.
Rudmila Naushin observed that neighboring countries have advanced far ahead in this field. To establish Bangladesh in the semiconductor sector, she emphasized the need for training labs and at least one year of industry-based practical experience for students through structured internships incorporated into the curriculum. She also stressed the importance of modern curricula and experienced teachers.
Dr. Nadim Chowdhury of BUET recommended not confining training to a single discipline, but instead preparing students from multiple disciplines to enter the sector. He also emphasized advancing through joint partnerships with leading global universities. He noted that opportunities in semiconductor development at Bangladeshi universities remain limited, with shortages of faculty and skilled engineers. Only a small number of companies are currently working in semiconductors, and they are simultaneously training their own skilled workforce.
Lin Hai (Heaven), Vice President and Board Director of Huawei South Asia, said that attracting foreign investment to Bangladesh’s semiconductor sector will require sustainable, long-term policies. He noted that Bangladesh’s work in semiconductor design is promising, but progress will depend on policy stability and a stable government.
DBTech/SM/ES/OR
