A delegation from the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) met with Mr. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), at his office, and discussed the challenges and opportunities of the semiconductor sector.

The delegation was led by BSIA President Mr. M. A. Jabbar. Among others, BSIA Directors, Mr. Kamrul Ahsan Dewanjee and Mr. Ashiqur Rahman Tanim, attended. Mr. Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development, and Mr. Johary Bin Akhter, Associate Relationship Manager, were also present in the meeting.

During the bilateral meeting, a written proposal was handed over to the Executive Chairman on behalf of BSIA. The proposal highlighted:

• Organizing roadshows in leading semiconductor countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, and the USA;
• Developing policy frameworks and incentive schemes to encourage investment from non-resident Bangladeshis in the semiconductor sector;
• Prompt implementation of the Semiconductor Taskforce Recommendations;
• Cash incentives for semiconductor service exports;
• Formation of a National Semiconductor Act; and
• Above all, official recognition of BSIA as an industry partner by BIDA.

The BIDA Executive Chairman, Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, shared his views on the BSIA proposals. He placed special emphasis on engaging relevant ministries and departments to ensure the timely implementation of the action items in the recommendations.

At the same time, he assured BSIA leaders that these proposals would be given serious consideration. He also mentioned that a full-time officer has already been assigned at BIDA to oversee the semiconductor sector and urged BSIA leaders to maintain regular communication with him for the smooth implementation of these initiatives.