First Day of BCS ICT WORLD 2008

BCSICTWORLD started today. It is organized by Bangladesh Computer Samity. Today, there was the inaugural ceremony. I am giving the English translation of the press release sent by Bangladesh Computer Samity:

  “BCSICTWORLD 2008” the largest information technology fair in Bangladesh   started from November 17, 2008. With an aim to build up a digital Bangladesh, Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) started this fair based on the theme “Towards Digital Bangladesh.” The fair will continue till November 21, 2008, at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.  

Information Technology played a very crucial role in the worldwide development that we observe today. In today’s world, to bolster the overall development of any country, expansion of the IT sector is a must. For this reason, the organizers of “BCS WORLD 2008” chose the theme “Towards Digital Bangladesh.” In order to raise awareness and interest among people about ICT and to build up an ICT knowledge based nation. To attract people of all ages, the fair will start at 10 a.m. and remain open till 8 p.m. Today, the fair has been opened for people at 1 p.m. This year, 65 ICT organizations participated in the fair. They are going to showcase their products and services in 23 stalls and 76 pavillions.    

 Mr. Manik Lal Samaddar, Special Assistance to the Honorable Chief Adviser

Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock and Ministry of Science & ICT, inaugurated the fair. Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka, and

Major General Manzurul Alam, ndc, psc (retd), Chairman, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, were special guests at the inaugural ceremony. Mr. Mustafa Jabbar, President, Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS)  chaired the show. Officials of various government and private organizations, educational institutions, and members and directors of BCS, BASIS and ISPAB were present in the ceremony.

 Mr. Manik Lal Samaddar, Special Assistance to the Honorable Chief Adviser said that people have now access to the entire world with the blessings of the information technology. We should work hard to ensure the use of this technology in every sphere of our lives and eradicate poverty from our country. With that end in mind, the Science, Information and Communication Ministry has taken some necessary steps. Government has set up an ICT Incubator with continuous electric supply at the heart of Dhaka city. In Gazipur, construction of a hi-tech park is on its way. In addition, government has decided to set up five information center. Former ICT policies are on their way to be re-implemented after reviewed by specialists. Necessary works to establish an ICT roadmap and E-governance strategies are in full swing. The process of establishing co-ordination between respective government ministries and ICT Task force is also going on. Mr. Samaddar also said that the private organizations are also working for the development of the ICT sector along with government and he admitted the major role of Bangladesh Computer Samity BCS in this regard. In the end, Mr. Manik Lal Samaddar cordially thanked BCS for organizing the “BCS ICT WORLD 2008,” which in itself is a huge undertaking.  

In his speech, special guest of the program, Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka said that IT is our ticket to future. In order to keep up with the rest of the world, necessary knowledge and expertise in IT is a must. Professor Dr. S.M. A. Faiz, congratulated BCS for its great contribution in the ICT sector of Bangladesh. Major General Manzurul Alam said that in order to continue the ongoing development in the country we have to work to expand the ICT sector. He further said that BCS has deserves all the praise for consistently organizing such a huge fair every year. Mr. Manzurul Alam then described some of the key activities of BTRCA.

 In his inaugural speech, Mr. Mustafa Jabbar, President, BCS, urged every one to adopt IT as the staple medium of education. He said that only through establishing an educational system that embeds the necessary knowledge of IT, we can fulfill the dream of building a digital Bangladesh.

 Mr. A. T. Shafique Uddin Ahmed, Convener, “BCS ICT WORLD 2008” thanked everyone  in his speech.

 After inaugurating the fair, the honorable guests visited the stalls and pavilions in the fair. On the first day, students from Right Click School and Abed Halima Dakhil Madrassa came to see the fair. They also acquired knowledge on information technology which was followed by an exciting quiz contest. The winners were given attractive gifts.

For computer game lovers, BCS organized gaming zone in the fair and free internet browsing facility for internet enthusiasts. For the first time in the history of BCS fair, the entire fair premise has been brought under wi-fi network. Users can browse the net from any where in the fair for free.

 The ICT Business Promotion Council under the ministry of commerce gave necessary assistance to organize the “BCS ICT WORLD 2008.”  Acer, BenQ, and Microsoft are the gold sponsors of the fair and the silver sponsors are AOC and Hitachi. Agni- online is the official ISP service provider. The entry fee is taka 20 per person and students will enjoy free entrance.