The fourth BCS ICT World 2011, an exhibition of information and communication technology, kicked off in Dhaka yesterday with a slogan for technology in education and daily life.
The exposition that pulled in 50 local and foreign companies showcases ICT innovations at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
The five-day expo organised by Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) was inaugurated by Finance Minister AMA Muhith. BCS President Mustafa Jabbar presided over the programme.
In his inaugural speech, Muhith hoped that the ICT sector will be the largest employer in Bangladesh by 2021, outperforming the readymade garment sector, the biggest export earner.
He said 10,000 software developers are working independently — each earning $3,000 a month on average.
To build a Digital Bangladesh, the government has three major tasks: computerisation in the public sector, education and software development and services, Muhith said.
The government could not yet start land digitisation, but Muhith said it will take off during the tenure of this government.
Unless the secretariat is automated, no big change is possible in Bangladesh, especially at the grassroots level, said Jabbar.
There is 8 percent to 10 percent duty on computer-related imports, which is affecting the grassroots people directly in acquiring computer goods, he said.
Yeafesh Osman, state minister for ICT, said the government could not develop infrastructure for e-governance but some ministries are working individually on it.
Abdul Mannan, chairman of Banglalion, said his company will expand its network spanning all district headquarters by the end of 2012. The company has 2 lakh customers, he said.
Banglalion, a wireless broadband provider, is the platinum sponsor of the fair. The expo is open to all from 10am to 8pm everyday.
With The Daily Star input Image credit: Amran Hossain
