The country\'s largest science and technology symposium, Bear 2025, is being held on Wednesday.

On July 16 (Wednesday), coinciding with ShaheedAbu Sayeed Day, the two-day BEAR Summit 2025 will be held at the NationalScience and Technology Complex in the capital. For the first time, thenational Semiconductor Symposium will focus on biotech, electronics,AI, and robotics. Leading global semiconductor companies such as MediaTek,SK Hynix, SanDisk, GlobalFoundries, Tokyo Electronics, and Innovexwill participate alongside expatriate Bangladeshi experts holding top positionsin these organizations. Also attending will be academics, policymakers, andover 250 university students from across Bangladesh. Statistics indicate that 60% of the participants willbe students, while 40% will consist of teachers and industryspecialists. Additionally, 30% of the international experts will bejoining virtually. In a pre-recorded video message during theinauguration, the importance of national innovation and social movements in thesemiconductor sector will be emphasized. These details were disclosed at a press conference heldon July 15 (Tuesday) at the ICT Tower Conference Room in Agargaon,Dhaka. The conference was presided over by ICT Secretary ShishHaider, and the convener of the event, Dr. Md. Mostafa Hossain, aprofessor at Purdue University, stated: “This conference is being held to honor those martyred and involved in the Julyuprising. Through this initiative, we aim to reduce brain drain and dependencyon chip-related jobs abroad by highlighting the immense potential of our youthand focusing on domestic innovation in the semiconductor field. I am veryhopeful. Already, nine experts working in the world’s top five universitieshave confirmed their participation. Top semiconductor industry leaders willalso be joining. Furthermore, all semiconductor entrepreneurs from Bangladeshwill participate in this symposium.” He added, “We want to move the sector forward not withmoney, but through expert ideas, innovation, and policy support. The more than 300posters and live demos submitted for the conference are clear evidence ofthis goal. We hope this symposium will lead to the formation of a nationaltechnology strategy and the establishment of an Intellectual Property (IP)Office to harness youth creativity and innovation.” In response to journalists\' queries, the ICT Secretaryshared that the event is being supported by the EDGE project of theBangladesh Computer Council under the Information and CommunicationTechnology Division, with financial assistance from the World Bank.Despite the limited budget, the symposium has been made possible with a cost ofjust over 1 crore BDT, including the travel of international experts — aremarkable beginning, according to him. Even though over 250 students have registered, thevenue can accommodate only 150 students due to budget constraints. Thesymposium will be inaugurated by Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistantto the Chief Advisor. He further mentioned, “AI and robotics are now integral toevery field. Hence, this seminar has also drawn participation commitments from politiciansalongside the experts. By next month, we plan to release final AI policyand data privacy guidelines. For the development of the semiconductorsector, we’ve already recommended 10–15 years of tax holidays, duty-freeimports, special bonded warehouse facilities, fast-track customsclearance, and 5–10% cash incentives for exports.” Also speaking at the press conference were Dr. MohammadMehedi Hasan, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Computer Council, and Dr.Mahbub Rashed, Vice President of World Founders and a semiconductor expert.