City IT Fair begins: ‘Computerisation needed to curb corruption’

Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Thursday said that computerization of the government activities is very much needed to establish good governance and also to curb corruption in the country.
He noted that to fulfill the dream of Digital Bangladesh, digitization process should be ensured in every sphere of life, which would lead to the establishment of e-commerce and e-governance.
“The ultimate outcome will be good policy and good governance,” Muhith said while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of City IT 2010 Computer Fair at the BCS Computer City in city’s IDB Bhaban.
SME Foundation chairman and AmCham President Aftab-ul-Islam, ATN Bangla chief adviser Saiful Bari and Bangladesh Computer Samity president Mustafa Jabbar were present as special guests.
BCS Computer City president Mozibur Rahman Swapon gave the welcome address at the function.
The Finance Minister said the computer system in the country should be further developed and there is need for expanding the software industry.
He said the government has already launched digital portal for all the 64 districts in the country.
“These portals have enormous potential… we have to use those widely.”
Muhith said that to fulfill the dream of Digital Bangladesh, steps would be taken to digitize the government and also the business sector. Besides, the government would set up cyber café in the rural areas to increase connectivity, he added.
Speaking at the function, Bangladesh Computer Samity president Mustafa Jabbar urged the Finance Minister to make provision of a fund of around Tk 500 crore in the next national budget to disburse loans at low interest among the teachers and students for purchase of computers.
Mentioning that computer businessmen in the country are mostly small and medium entrepreneurs, he said the government should make arrangement for collateral-free loans at low interest for them.
Some 157 organisations are participating in the 10-day fair where attractive discounts are being offered on items like laptop, notebook or net book.
Apart from the permanent stalls, there will be another 30 stalls in the fair.
The fair will remain open everyday until February 6 from 10 am-7 pm with an entry fee of Tk 10. However, the school students and disabled persons will be allowed free entry.

Courtesy of UNB, Dhaka