Bangladesh-Silicon Valley Tech Dialogue: Technology, Talent and Partnerships to Shape Bangladesh’s Future

“Bangladesh’s future will be built on three key pillars: technology, talent and partnership,” policymakers and senior government representatives said at the Bangladesh-Silicon Valley Technology Dialogue held at Cedar Hall of Stanford University in California.

Organised by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Los Angeles, the dialogue brought together leading technology researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and successful Bangladeshi expatriates from Silicon Valley. A special delegation sent by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman led the event, which focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s technology sector and expanding its global engagement.

Kazi Mohammad Javed Iqbal, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Los Angeles, welcomed the participants and moderated the programme. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tariq Mohammad Ariful Islam delivered a special guest address, highlighting the importance of diplomatic and technological relations between the two countries.

The delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.

A major part of the dialogue focused on the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, in Bangladesh’s economy and technology sector.

Bangladeshi researchers working at renowned global institutions delivered keynote presentations. Dr Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Toronto; Dr Sharifa Sultana, Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Dr Mohammad Kamrul Islam, Distinguished Engineer at Uber; and Dr Mostafa Patowary, a researcher at NVIDIA, discussed practical applications of AI to address challenges in various sectors of Bangladesh.

Dr Mahbub Rashed of GlobalFoundries discussed the semiconductor industry and the development of an ecosystem for the sector.

A panel discussion titled “Talent, Technology and Capital” was moderated by Dr Saif Islam, Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Davis.

The panel included Special Assistant Rehan Asif Asad, Dr Shatil Haque of Credo Semiconductor, Dr Yusuf Haque, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Exo, Dr Omar Ishrak, former CEO of Medtronic and former Chairman of Intel’s Board of Directors, Mohammad Enayetur Rahman, CEO of Ulkasemi, and Badrul Sarwar, CTO of CloudAII.

They discussed research, skilled workforce development, industry links and various aspects of securing venture capital and investment.

Mr Rehan Asif Asad said the desired development of Bangladesh’s technology sector would not be possible without effective links among education, research, startups and industry. Referring to the recently held BIEL summit, he said the government’s main objective was to provide appropriate opportunities for the country’s young generation to utilise their technological talent and create avenues for innovation and skilled employment.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam highlighted the contribution of Bangladeshis living abroad on the global stage. “Science and technology diplomacy is now one of the major priorities of our foreign policy,” she said. She stressed technology transfer, development of the local workforce and stronger institutional ties between Bangladesh and US research institutions. She also outlined how technological cooperation could help address key national needs, particularly agriculture and food security.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj stressed the need to strengthen the foundations of education. He said focusing only on advanced technology would not be enough. Children need a strong foundation in basic education alongside digital skills from the primary level to keep pace with the changing economy. He stressed the proper use of technology in classrooms, practical training for teachers and ensuring access to quality educational materials for students in disadvantaged areas. Mr Hajjaj also called for major national policies to be tested through pilot projects before being implemented nationwide.

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir outlined the government’s future plans. He said the government was evaluating appropriate revenue policies, investment plans and structural reforms to promote technology-driven industrialisation and create skilled employment.

Calling on expatriate researchers and investors to come forward with specific and feasible projects, Mr Titumir said such initiatives should ensure effective partnership between the two sides.

He said the ultimate goal of technological cooperation should be to improve people’s quality of life and reform public service delivery.