The exposition organised by Bangladesh Computer Samity ends on Dec 29
Amid great youthful excitement, Bangladesh Computer Samity’s computer fair kicked off yesterday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
Titled “BCS ICT World 12”, the theme of the exposition is “technology and education for development”.
Spread across 90 stalls, the exposition, in its 14th year, will give visitors a ‘touch and feel’ retail experience of the latest of gadgets.
“I am spoilt for choice with all the varieties on display here,” said Munir Hossain, a student of Dhaka University, who came hoping to catch a bargain on laptops.
About 52 local and foreign companies are participating in the fair, where there are offering special prices.
“It is the discounts on offer that have made the fair irresistible,” said Pallab, a young professional.
But it was the stalls showcasing mini-tablets for around Tk 10,000 and multimedia projectors with touch-sensitive screens where most visitors flocked to.
Stalls selling anti-virus software and wireless broadband also drew a sizeable crowd.
Finance Minister AM Muhith inaugurated the fair, where he mentioned of government’s plan to set up a technology university at Gazipur.
“ICT is the best way to reduce corruption in various sectors, including in land digitization, administration and in police department,” Muhith said.
Mustafa Jabbar, BCS’s former president, said the Computer Samity has been working to spread the information technology education.
“But the IT businessmen are not in a good condition as profit has been slashed,” he said.
Platinum sponsor of the event was Dutch Bangla Bank Ltd, whose Managing Director KS Tabrez said: “ICT catalyses people’s lifestyle.”
Keeping it in mind, he said his bank has introduced mobile banking to the country.
Entry fee to the fair is Tk 20, and each ticket is entered into a raffle draw with prizes ranging from laptops to smartphones to other gadgets.
Entry for schoolchildren, however, is free upon presentation of a student identity card.
Seminars on modern technology, musical shows, interactive sessions with celebrities, digital art competition and quiz contests have also been arranged on the sidelines of the exposition.
The exposition will end on December 29.
-With The Daily Star input
