Digital device, innovation expo to begin on April 1

The three-day Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2021 will begin on April 1, aiming to promote IT products and services developed by local companies.

The event, to be organised both virtually and physically at the auditorium of Bangladesh Film Archive in the city's Agargaon area, is expected to create greater interactions among the stakeholders.

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak made the announcement at a press conference at the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) auditorium in the city on Wednesday.

Hosne Ara Begum, managing director (MD) of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), and Shahid-Ul-Munir, president of the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS), among others, were present.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) division, the BHTPA and the BCS are jointly organising the expo with the slogan 'Make here, sell everywhere'.

President Abdul Hamid is scheduled to inaugurate the expo as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the extent of the mega event had been contracted this year keeping the pandemic situation in consideration, and the expo would be organised in both digital and physical spaces.

Expressing hope that the expo will help popularise further adoption of digital technologies in the country, the state minister said, "Present youths will be the pioneer of the future to attain technological capacities for the country to become a developed one by 2041".

He also said the expo would help create awareness, establish a business-friendly environment, attract investment in the ICT sector, increase youths' participation and create entrepreneurships.

According to the organisers, interested individuals will be able to visit the fair using virtual platforms. A good number of workshops and seminars will also take place alongside the event, where the local developers will exhibit their innovations virtually.

Managing Director of BHTPA Hosne Ara Begum said the upcoming event would play a vital role for the local IT businesses and IT professionals.

A good number of hi-tech parks in the country, including Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park in Jashore, have been operational to help boost the local ICT sector, she said.