Press Conference of BCS Digital Expo and ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010

Dear journalist friends,

At the press conference of “BCS Digital Expo 2010” and “ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010,” on behalf of the Executive committee members of BCS and BCS fair organizers, I welcome you all. We are very happy to inform you that within few days, we are going to organize a digital Lifestyle Exhibition where we would showcase various digital technologies, latest IT machineries, products, and services.

The four-day exhibition, titled “BCS Digital Expo 2010,” will start from March 31, 2010 to April 1, 2010. Simultaneously, at the same venue, from March 31, 2010, the ASOCIO Multi-Lateral Trade Visit 2010 will be held. You are well aware about the “Digital Bangladesh” initiative undertaken by our current government has been widely acclaimed both nationally and internationally. By organizing this exhibition and international trade visit, we, the members of BCS, show our support to the “Digital Bangladesh” initiative of the government. 

Today, we have gathered here to discuss about various aspects of the “BCS Digital Expo 2010” and “ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit” and collect your valuable feedbacks to make our endeavor more successful.

Dear journalist friends,

We are very happy to inform you that the hon'ble Prime Minister of Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, gave her consent to inaugurate “Digital Expo 2010” and “ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010” on March 31, 2010, as the chief guest. Among others, Finance Minister, Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Commerce Minister Lieutenant Col.(Rtd) Faruk Khan and Yafes Osman, Science and ICT Minister, will be the special guest of the show. As special guests, Looi Kien Leong, President, ASOCIO, will be present at the show. Abdullah H. Kafi, Deputy President, ASOCIO, will be the honorable guest of the show. In addition, Michael Kuehner, Managing Director and CEO, AXIATA Ltd. and chairman of Southeast Bank Limited, Mr. Alamgir Kabir (FCA) will attend the show.

Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS), in collaboration with ICT Business Promotion Council, an organization created under Ministry of Commerce, will organize “BCS Digital Expo 2010” for the second time. Simultaneously, another international show, “ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010” will be held at the same venue where representatives from ten countries of the Asian-Oceanian region will attend and discuss on different matters over promoting bi-lateral trade.

The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) was established in 1984 with an aim to promote trade between various ICT organizations of different countries in the region. Since its inception, ASOCIO has been rigorously working towards encouraging and fostering trade relationships between its member organizations. In 1996, BCS became the member of ASOCIO and five years later, BCS organized the first Multilateral Trade Visit in Dhaka. It is a matter of great pride for BCS for it organized the first Multilateral Trade Visit of ASOCIO. Over the years, other member economies hosted the Multilateral Trade Visit of ASOCIO and after ten years, BCS is going to organize ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit for the second time.

One noticeable feature of “BCS Digital Expo 2010” and “ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010” is that for her valuable contribution in creating and implementing the “Digital Bangladesh” project, honorable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina will be given the prestigious ASOCIO Award. It is also a matter of great pride that for the first time, any head of the government in South Asia is receiving this award. Among the countries of Asia Oceania, previously, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia (1998), Thaksin Shinawatra former Prime Minister of Thailand (2002) and Phan Văn Khải, former Prime Minister of Vietnam were the proud recipients of the ASOCIO Award.

My dear friends, a revolutionary change is taking place all over the world and at the helm of this change, is the new digital technology. From individual to society, luxury to necessity, work to leisure, everywhere, the digital technology is causing a silent revolution. If we cannot keep up with this new technology then we would not be able to reap its diversified benefits and we would not be able to attain our expected goal of improvement. Though a poor country, digital technology established itself in Bangladesh. For the overall improvement of the socio-economic condition of our country, we need to further ensure the prosperity of digital technology in this region through the promotion of digital technology in every sphere of our lives.

Judging the immense potential of the ICT sector in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister of the of Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, announced her “Vision 2021” under which, she introduced a project titled, “Digital Bangladesh.” On the other hand, Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) has been playing a major role in promoting computer and ICT technology in Bangladesh. In 1993, BCS first organized its first IT-based exhibition and since then the organization has been successfully organizing various fairs and exhibitions either by itself or in collaboration under various titles all over Bangladesh.

In collaboration with the ICT Business Promotion Council, an organization under the Commerce Ministry of Bangladesh BCS will organize BCS Digital Expo 2010 at Sheraton Hotel. The show will start from March 31, 2010 and continue till April 3, 2010. Below are given the names of various products that would be exhibited by various organizations in the fair and other important facts about the BCS Digital Expo 2010:

At the BCS Digital Expo various technologies related to IT, computers and accessories, laptop, notebook, palmtop, iPod, mobile PDA and smart phone, multimedia projector, digital still and video camera, LCD monitor and television, digital photo frame, photo-printer, portable audio devices, wireless keyboard, mouse, USB mobile device, etc will be presented at the show. Visitors would be shown live demonstration of these products at the exhibition.

Various Internet networks including Wi-Max connectivity, Wi-Fi and other Internet technologies will be showcased at the exhibition.

The exhibition will also showcase various domestic and international software and multimedia products including audio-visual tutorials, digital education software, office and library management softwares. Along with softwares, various books and journals written by famous writers, digital edition of books and articles would be available at the show.

The BCS Digital Expo 2010 will also organize various seminars, roundtable discussions, technology presentation session.

Exchange of knowledge and views between ICT industry experts of the Asian Oceanian region over improvement and expansion of ICT and discussion about the past, present and future of the ICT sector in this region will also take place.

We hope and believe that this exhibition would bring together consumers, vendors and ICT industry experts.

The exhibition will have a Wi-Fi zone where users would be able to access the Internet for free. In addition, they would be given live demonstration of various new products and technologies.

The exhibition will organize quiz show, product ramping, cultural function and various other interesting and exciting events.

To promote various technological inventions by different institutions, BCS Digital Expo 2010 would also provide complementary stalls.

Dear journalist friends,

It is very important that we, at present, should determine our future goals and activities based on the current economic and political situation and education system of our country.

BCS Digital Expo 2010 is not just any traditional exhibition but an exhibition that would create new opportunities regarding new technologies and products in Bangladesh. It would simultaneously present new inventions and present digital lifestyle which never happened before in Bangladesh. Hence, in the face of building a digital Bangladesh, this exhibition is different from other ICT exhibitions of our country. We made sure that visitors get a taste of something new in this exhibition.

In this expo, several seminars have been arranged by BCS and sponsor companies. Along with it, the participating companies will arrange different kinds of competitions in order to promote their brands and products. On the third day of BCS Digital Expo 2010, the organizing committee will arrange children’s painting competition and it will take place on April 2, 2010, from 10.30 a.m.- 12.30 p.m. The competition will take place in three topics and age categories. In BCS Digital Expo 2010 venue, there will be a controlling center from BCS and all the activities will be managed from here. There will be a supporting team to help the visitors and participating companies to provide all out support. The security team will work to ensure safety. Apart from it, there will be a team consisting of reporters and photographers who will provide all the supports to the journalists. There will be a food court in the expo venue where people will be able to enjoy different kinds of food items and drinks.

The ticket price is taka 20. However, school students will be able to enter at free of charge by showing their identity cards. One of the new attractions of this fair is that the visitors would be able to buy tickets from their mobile phones.

I would like to inform you that to ensure the smooth functioning of the ICT Expo, an organizing committee and several sub-committees have been formed.

At the same time, in order to promote the ICT sector of Asia Oceania region, BCS and ASOCIO are going to jointly host ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010 from March 31, 2010 to April 1, 2010. In this event, ASOCIO President Looi Kien Leong will head the ASOCIO delegates and participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Pakistan etc. The ASOCIO representatives would meet the government and high officials of some organizations. Here it should be mentioned that ASOCIO is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. According to the decision of Executive Body of ASOCIO, honorable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, will be awarded 'ASOCIO ICT Special Recognition Award' for her special contribution to the development of the ICT sector of Bangladesh and planning and implementing the vision of “Digital Bangladesh.” In order to ensure the smooth operation of the ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010, a high-level organizing committee has been created and it will be headed by Abdully H. Kafi, the current Deputy President of ASOCIO and the former president of Bangladesh Computer Samity.

  

Dear Journalist friends,

Now, I like to remember with gratitude the enormous contribution of ICT journalist in the development of ICT sector of Bangladesh. I would particularly like to remember your contribution and thank you for helping Bangladesh Computer Samity and supporting all our activities by giving us due media coverage. I have no hesitation to say that the media has a lot of contribution in making Bangladesh Computer Samity popular and making our programs and activities acceptable to the ordinary people. Like the past, this time too, we expect all the support from the media and I like to remind you that we from BCS are ready to give you any kind of information and support you in every way. During the time of BCS Digital Expo 2010 and ASOCIO Multilateral Trade Visit 2010, the journalist can contact with the members of media committee and if they wish they even can directly contract with me. Also, BCS will provide updates of the events through two websites: http://www.bcs.org.bd  and http://www.bcsdigitalexpo.com.bd/ .

In the end, I like to thank all of you for your presence today and making this press conference a success.

Md. Shahid-Ul-Munir

Convener, BCS Digital Expo 2010

BCS Digital Expo 2010 at a glance

Theme: Towards digital Bangladesh.

Venue: Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, 1, Minto Road, Dhaka.

Date: March 31, 2010- April 3, 2010 everyday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Platinum sponsor: Axiata Bangladesh, Limited

Gold sponsor: Samsung, Microsoft

Official WiMAX partner: Banglalion Communications Ltd.

Official Bank: Southeast Bank Limited

Ticket counter sponsor: Caspersky.

Volunteer dress sponsor: United Computer Center.

Media partner: Desh TV, The Daily Samakal, Radio Today.

Internet connection: Fibre optic broadband connection, Wi-Fi, free Internet browsing zone.

Ticket price: Regular cost of ticket is taka 20. Upon showing leaflet visitors will get 50% discount. Students upon showing their ID will have freen entrance.

Number of exhibitors: 45

Number of pavilions and stalls: 20 and 42

Email: samity@bcs.org.bd, secretariat@bcs.org.bd

Website: www.bcsdigitalexpo.com.bd

World Class ICT Institute in Bangladesh Going to Be Set Up Soon

Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) is the leading trade body in the Information Technology Sector of Bangladesh. Yesterday, it took all of us to a great surprise with the singing agreement ceremony of setting up a ICT Institute in Bangladesh. The project will be implemented under Public-Private partnership. Ministry of Science & ICT (Public) And Bangladesh Computer Samity (Private) are two parties that will jointly implement it.

I think that it is a very good initiative for the ICT sector of Bangladesh. I just wish for one thing- in the new institute, all the focus will be given on getting meritorious and talented students and the fee will be kept within the ability o middle class families. In Bangladesh, still, the best students come from middle or lower middle class backgrounds.

I received a press release from Birendra Nath Adhikary Chief Operating Officers Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS). I am giving it here:

A world class ICT Institute will be set up inside the High-tech Park or its adjacent area, Kaliakoir, Gazipur in the outskirt of Dhaka under the joint collaboration between public and private sectors. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology and Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) was singed today at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in order to implement the project. The occasion was organized in conjunction of Doa Mahfil & Itfer in the holy month of Ramadan.

Honorable State Minister for Science & ICT Architect Yeafesh Osman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Hon'ble State Minister for Water Resources Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Land Affairs Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Haque & the Secretary of the Ministry of Science & ICT Mr. A. K. M Abdul Awal Mazumder was present as the Special Guests. Presided over by the BCS President Mr. Mustafa, the function was attended by high officials of the government, autonomous & private sectors, past & present EC members of BCS, members of BCS general body and representatives of various press & mass communication media.

In his speech the Chief Guest of the occasion hon'ble State Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman told the MOU was the first of its kind between the Ministry of Science & ICT and premier association of the Industry Bangladesh Computer Samity upon the PPP model was announced by the government, which is an excellent example of fulfilling the commitment of the government. He told despite the main focus had been given to create world standard skilled workforce under the MOU, however, various activities for the development of ICT could be also conducted under its terms & conditions. The Minister expressed strong belief that the activities related to the program of 'Digital Bangladesh' will be expedited upon implementing the program. He also mentioned that more likewise initiatives would be adopted in near future. The Minister praised the professionalism of Bangladesh Computer Samity. He convincingly told that any legal obstacle to establish ICT Institute in joint collaboration of public and private sectors could be eliminated with the support & assistance of all concerned. He expressed thankfulness to BCS and the Officials of the Ministry of Science & ICT for organizing such a great occasion of signing the MOU.

Special Guest hon'ble State Minister for Water Resources Mr. Mahbubur Rahman invited the entrepreneurs & initiators to adopt ICT related projects as like as Gazipur to his own area of Kuakata in Patuakhali. Upon such initiatives, opportunities would be created to bring the southern most part of the country under 'Digital Bangladesh' program, he told optimistically.

In his speech Special Guest hon'ble Member of the Parliament Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Haque told the day of signing the MOU is a day of joyous and ever remembrance for the people of Gazipur. He told we fought for the independence of the country upon responding the invitational struggle of the Father of the nation Bangabanhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Now, we are stand by the process of establishing world class ICT University in Gazipur, which will expedite the implementation of 'Digital Bangladesh' under the leadership of hon'ble Prime Minister Jananetree Sheikh Hasina, he told. He told, if be necessary, not only 5 acres of land, 10 acres of land will be arranged for establishing ICT University in Gazipur. Mr. Haque expressed gratitude to the initiators of the project on behalf of the people of Gazipur.

The Special Guest of the occasion Mr. A. K. M Abdul Awal Mazumder told the Ministry responded positively & moved as faster as Bangladesh Computer Samity proposed for signing the MOU. He informed that the Ministry had also a mindset to set up a world class ICT Institute at Kaliakoir, which had became easier while Bangladesh Computer Samity came forward. He said that the project would be a unique example of public-private initiative. He expressed gratitude to all related parties for initiating such a noble project.

In his speech, the Chair of the occasion, the renowned ICT personality of the country Mr. Mustafa Jabbar told the day of singing the MOU would be ever remembrance and written in the golden alphabets in the ICT history of the country. He told Bangladesh Computer Samity had been relentlessly working for the development of ICT from the time of its inception. BCS conducted many of those activities in collaboration with the relevant Ministries and government departments, he mentioned. However, he told the noble and huge activities which had been started through signing the MOU would be unprecedented for the ICT sector of the country. Thus, there were similarities found between words and activities of the government, he told. BCS President expressed his optimism that the government would come forward for initiating likewise programs such that the vibrating program of 'Digital Bangladesh' would be implemented in the near future. He expressed gratefulness to the hon'ble Prime Minister on behalf of Bangladesh Computer Samity and ICT Industry of the country. Mr. Mustafa Jabbar told BCS was determined to implement the project at any cost to fulfill the commitment of the government and for the interest of the country. The expressed gratitude to the hon'ble State Minister for Science & ICT Architect Yeafesh Osman, the Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Mr. A. K. M Abdul Awal Mazumder and other Officials of the Ministry for their kind endeavor to organize the MOU signing ceremony in order to establish ICT Institute at the High-tech Park.

The occasion was also addressed by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Science & ICT Mr. M. M. Neazuddin, while BCS Vice President Mr. A. T. Shafique Uddin Ahmed provided vote of thanks to all present at the occasion. In ahead of all speeches, BCS Secretary General Mr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam placed a multimedia presentation on BCS activities and proposed ICT Institute. The function was conducted by the President of BCS Computer City Mr. Mazibur Rahman Sawpon.

Upon completion of the speeches, the MOU was signed between the Ministry of Science & ICT and Bangladesh Computer Samity in presence of the hon'ble State Minister Mr. Yeafesh Osman, hon'ble Member of the Parliament Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Haque and other dignitaries. Joint Secretary Mr. M. M. Neazuddin signed on behalf of the Ministry and BCS President Mr. Mustafa Jabbar signed on behalf Bangladesh Computer Samity on the MOU, while Dr. Md. Ferdous Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry and Mr. Md. Shahid-Ul-Munir, BCS Treasurer signed there as witnesses.

It would be worthwhile to point out here that the Ministry of Science & ICT would allocate 5 acres of land at premise of High-tech Park in Kaliakoir or to its adjacent area, where Bangladesh Computer Samity will establish a world class ICT Institute in collaboration with the Ministry.

Upon the MOU was signed, prayer was offered for the well-being of the country, nation & people and for the development of the ICT Industry. At the end, all present in the occasion took part in the Ifter and dinner.

Bangladesh Computer Samity Delegation Visiting Thailand, Sri Lanka and Maldives

As a freelance IT (Information Technology) Journalist, I am a keen observer of the computer industry in Bangladesh. I have been covering this industry since 1999 and thus, it is now 10 years. From now, I will try to write about this field in South Asia Blog. Today, I received a press release from Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS). In fact, Birendra Nath Adhikary Chief Operating Officer of BCS sent the press release. I am putting it here:

A delegation of Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) is making a tour to Thailand, Sri Lanka and Maldives during the period of August 04-13, 2009. Led by BCS President Mr. Mustafa Jabbar, the delegation includes the Vice President of ASOCIO (Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization) & former BCS President Mr. Abdullah H. Kafi, BCS Vice President Mr. A. T. Shafique Uddin Ahmed, Secretary General Mr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam, Joint Secretary General Mr. Kazi Ashraful Alam, Treasurer Mr. Md. Shahid-Ul-Munir & Director Mr. Yousuf Ali Shamim, and BCS Members Mr. Ashrafuddowla, Mr. Motaleb Hussain Manik & Mr. Gazi Aminul Hoque. During this period at the invitation of the Association of Thai ICT Industry (ATCI), they are participating at the 'Bangkok Business Visit Program' organized by ATCI for the ASOCIO Member Associations. The delegation will also have an onsite visit to Lanka Government Network (LGN) project in Colombo implemented by the Sri Lankan Government at the invitation of Information & Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA). On an extended tour plan, few team Members will further visit the vocational & polytechnic institutes in Maldives & Srilanka.

On the way of this extensive tour program, a bilateral MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between BCS and ATCI and also a multilateral MOU was signed among BCS, ATCI, Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA, Thailand), The Association of Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia (PIKOM), Vietnam Software Association (VINASA) and Myanmar Computer Federation (MCF). On behalf of BCS, its President Mr. Mustafa Jabbar signed on both the agreements that took place at Novotel on Siam, Bangkok on August 05, 2009 at 12-30 PM. Prior to signing the MOU, Mr. Mustafa Jabbar presented the updated ICT status of Bangladesh to the audience composed of delegations from ASOCIO Member economies. In his presentation BCS President recalled that the concept of 'Digital Bangladesh' was first placed to the audience of ASOCIO ICT Summit 2008 by him on 11 December 2008 in Hong Kong. He said that the present government under the leadership of hon'ble Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina had not only recognized it, but also her government had taken it as one of its priority programs in the 'Vision 2021'. BCS President informed that Bangladesh had been all set to be the pioneer to build knowledge-based society before its target in 2021.

Both the aforementioned agreements were signed in a view of inter-country ICT development, to explore the ICT sector and expand its market across the region & beyond. It may be mentioned here that the signing of any such MOU by an ICT association is unique and happened for the first time in the history of Bangladesh. Mr. Abdullah H. Kafi, the ASOCIO Vice President, who also signed on the MOU as one of the witnesses, welcomed the MOU signing and said that it was a historic event for Bangladesh's ICT industry. While spoke on the occasion of MOU signing ceremony, Mr. Kafi expressed his gratitude and congratulated all concerned. ASOCIO officials, Thai government officials, regional ICT leaders, BCS Directors and few Members witnessed and congratulated the MOU signing ceremony.

On the other hand, it is expected that making an on site visit to LGN project in Sri Lanka will enrich & better help the Bangladesh team for implementing the Bangla Government Network project initiated by the Government of Bangladesh. As a part of this mission, the Executive Director of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Mr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman will join the delegation in Sri Lanka. At the same time their visit to vocational & polytechnic institute in Maldives & Sri Lanka will help gather knowledge establishing likewise institute in Bangladesh.