Diplomatic Desk:
Bangladesh has held discussions regarding potential long-term collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) in the United States, focusing on the development of a semiconductor ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI), education, research, innovation, and skilled workforce development.
On Sunday (September 27, 2026), a high-level delegation from Bangladesh met with representatives from Arizona State University at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in California, USA. The Bangladeshi delegation was led by the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance and Planning, Rashed Al-Mahmud Titumir.
The Bangladeshi delegation included State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam; State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj; the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology as well as Science and Technology, Rehan Asif Asad; the Prime Minister’s Protocol Officer-2, Kamrul Islam; and the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary-1, Md. Jahidul Islam. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the US, Tarek Md. Ariful Islam, and the Consul General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles, Kazi Mohammad Javed Iqbal, participated in the meeting.
Representing Arizona State University were Megan Gibson, Director of Global Development; Dr. Minu Ipe, Vice Chair and Managing Director of the University Design Institute (participating virtually); and Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Adjunct Professor and member of the Industry Advisory Board.
The meeting emphasized the importance of establishing an effective semiconductor ecosystem in Bangladesh by integrating engineering education, research, skilled workforce development, the industrial sector, and investment. Potential areas of cooperation identified include curriculum development in semiconductors and microelectronics, training for teachers and professionals, applied research, university-industry partnerships, and institutional capacity building.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in the sectors of education, science, research, and technology.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj emphasized the importance of STEM education, teacher development, and preparing the younger generation for emerging industries.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad stated that a realistic roadmap is needed for Bangladesh’s semiconductor sector—one that integrates industry, investment, and the commercialization of technology with education and research.
The meeting also explored the potential for collaboration with Arizona State University’s University Design Institute regarding the transformation of higher education and institutional capacity building. The institute has a track record of working on the institutional transformation of universities, governments, and education systems at an international level.
Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning, emphasized sustainable planning, human resource development, and strengthening effective linkages between the education and industrial sectors. He noted that a key objective of such cooperation is to translate technological partnerships into skilled employment, research capabilities, innovation, and investment.
Discussions were also held regarding the formulation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation. The potential agreement aims to cover semiconductor education and skills development, research, curriculum and teacher development, university-industry engagement, and the institutional transformation of higher education.
Both parties expressed interest in continuing the dialogue and identifying specific, implementable projects and relevant institutions for future collaboration. The Consulate General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles will coordinate future communications regarding this matter between Arizona State University and the relevant ministries, universities, and institutions in Bangladesh.
