PRESS DIGEST - BANGLADESH - Feb 6

These are some of the leading stories in the Bangladesh press on Saturday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

THE DAILY STAR

--- Ministries of education, and primary and mass education have performed best in overall budget implementation in the first six months of the current fiscal year while the agriculture ministry is lagging far behind.

--- The government is introducing smart card, a tag with computer chip, for overseas jobseekers from tomorrow to ease the immigration process and help them more effectively while they are abroad.

THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS

--- The Privatisation Commission (PC) that virtually remained inactive for a long period has taken up a three-month programme to gear up its activities following approval of some divestment schemes by the prime minister.

--- The efficiency of the country's premier port at Chittagong has witnessed a record increase in January this year despite a labour unrest demanding reinstatement of those who were axed during the immediate-past caretaker government.

THE NEW AGE

--- Reckless driving and regular violation of traffic rules by drivers have put lives of pedestrians in the city in danger. Mindless competition particularly between public transports is a common sight in the city streets with authorities having no control over the situation, city dwellers said. Continued...

Computer Training Schools: Provide You the Most Important Knowledges Needed to Compete in Today’s World of Experts

If I had to to pick the gadget that’s changed people’s lives the most since the light bulb, I’d probably choose the computer. The dog has lost out to the computer for the role of man’s new best friend.

There is a lot of demand for computer training for both school-goers and office-workers. Computer training schools come in here. It can’t be denied that to function in today’s environment, a healthy knowledge of computing is necessary. You don’t have to be the next Bill Gates, you just need to know how to get by.

With all the movies out there boosting the popularity of the tech whiz, there are lots of kids who dream of one day being as good. What these kids should remember is that learning about computers will never end at one certificate or degree. The computer and the concept of IT evolve each day. Change is the only constant. There is never a time to relax when it comes to computer training. If you’re serious about it though, you should talk to some computer training schools so you know what you’re headed into.

There are many people who are really good at what they do, and if you want to be among the best, a computer training school will help you get there. Computer training schools have programs designed to deal with whichever area you need attention in – hardware or software.

A quick visit to the World Wide Web is all that’s required for you to find the most suitable school through an array of computer training schools that are available. Being selective is important because there are many fakes and fraudulent businesses that are only there to steal your valuable money rather than giving you a proper education.

The other main objective of proper computer training schools around the country is to provide quality training for office staff at other companies. Quite unfortunately, most of the workforce knows very little about computers, beyond the basics. They constantly waste time over simple things which some basic knowledge about computers would have solved. This is deemed both inefficient and unproductive. Therefore most companies are willing to spend on computer training schools that will provide the edge needed in day to day computing and networking.

Who ever you maybe, a kid from high school or a top level CEO, knowledge about computers will never go to waste. It’s an essential skill that’ll give you an edge, no matter what you do. If being better than your competition isn’t a good enough reason to check out some computer training schools, nothing is.

When it comes to computer training, you will need useful devices for doing your presentation. Do you want to find these devices? Just visit site where you can purchase and related information for your presentation need.

Vedic Village: Luxury escape just over the border at Kolkata

My bags bounced around me in the car as we bumped along the rural road. About 20 minutes later after leaving the main highway, I landed in the lap of Vedic Village’s luxury. I’d just survived a near collision with a rickshaw wallah bearing bamboo poles, so the warm welcome at the front door with a fresh lime soda was exactly what the doctor ordered. Thankfully there were also several doctors waiting for me at spa, just in case the collision did happen.

This property isn’t a hospital, however. It’s the creation of Raj K Modi, a passionate health advocate and, after seeing the resort, one would have to say entrepreneur. His concept—combining luxury escape and rural lifestyle—is radical, but stepping outside the box is what makes him successful. His vision, according to CEO Michael Robinson, was so forward-thinking that his initial investors actually withdrew. But now, The Vedic Group will expand the facility from its 150-acres organic farm to 1,200-acres, which will include 600 acres for new IT developments—apparently the backers are convinced. More photos available here....

Banking enters new era

Bangladesh Bank introduces online payment system
Rejaul Karim Byron and Nafid Imran Ahmed
Hassles are about to be over. Shoppers will no longer have to go to market spending hours in traffic jams. One does not need to stand in long queues to pay utility bills. All are now possible on the internet. Bangladesh Bank yesterday introduced online payment systems facilitating fund transfers and payment of utility bills on the net. The new move allows people to use local currency credit cards for online transactions within the country. Although these services are being introduced on a smaller scale, it is seen as the first step toward a full-fledged online banking.This move will certainly enhance the use of e-commerce and online banking services facilitating subscribers of all commercial banks in Bangladesh.The central bank issued a circular to all commercial banks saying subscribers to internet banking will now be able to pay utility bills online from customers' accounts to billing accounts. "This will create a revolution in e-commerce and online banking," said Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman. Online fund transfer between two accounts under the same name in the same bank will also be possible. The circular mentioned that e-commerce-based transaction between buyers and sellers can also be done through internet banking. Online transactions by credit card in local currency will also be possible. “This is the first and the most significant step towards electronic transaction in the country,” Munir Hasan, consultant, Access to Information (A2I) project under the Prime Minister's Office, told The Daily Star.Vice Chairman of Association of Bankers Bangladesh Nurul Amin, also managing director of National Credit and Commerce Bank Ltd, said: "Banks need to be prepared for offering such services. Customisation and integration are necessary for this purpose."Security measures along with a legal framework need to be put in place to safeguard both customers and banks, he added. These transactions will only be possible now within the accounts under the same bank offering online banking. Online transaction between banks will be possible with the introduction of e-Payment Gateway, an e-commerce application service provider service that authorises payments for e-businesses and online retailers.Bangladesh Bank had taken the initiative to implement the e-Payment Gateway back in 2008. According to a report, the system should be ready for deployment within the next six to eight months and is expected to be operational at the beginning of the next financial year.“We collect payment manually from 300-400 clients every day. The system consumes huge time and money. Now we are ready to start online payment collection on a pilot basis. We were waiting for this to happen for quite long,” said Fahim Mashroor, chief executive officer of Bdjobs.com.Shoeb Ahmed, former general secretary of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services, also appreciated the initiative.He said, “Banks are probably ready for this. But stakeholders and government bodies should be prepared for online banking, otherwise it might not be utilised properly." Shoeb said they proposed that the government establish a central payment gateway.Physical credit and debit card payments are available across the country. Banks need to introduce Application Programme Interface (API) to implement the online credit card payment system. API ensures secure payment on the internet by providing both credit card and PIN numbers.All banks have been advised to remain alert to the misuse of online payment system for money laundering. They will have to report to the financial intelligence unit on whether any irregularity or crime has been committed in violation of the anti-money laundering act.

BANGLADESHI COMPUTER BAZAR

THERE ARE MANY COMPUTER MARKET IN BANGLADESH. BUT ELEPHANT ROAD COMPUTER CITY IS DIFERENT IN OTHER MARKET AND THIS MARKET IS LARGEST MARKET IN BANGLADESH COMPUTER MARKET. THERE ARE TWO TYPE OF COMPUTER MARKET IN ELEPHANT ROAD. ONE OF THEM NEW COMPUTER MARKET AND THE OTHER OLD COMPUTER MARKET. ECS COMPUTER CITY IS THE LARGEST NEW COMPUTER MARKET IN BANGLADESH HELD IN ELEPHANT ROAD. THIS MARKET IS ALSO KNOWN BY MULTIPLAN. HERE ALL NEW COMPUTER ACCSOSORIES ARE SALE IN RESONABLE PRICE. ALL OF THE IMPORTER SALES CENTER HERE. IF YOU WANT TO BUY ANY ACCSOSORIES YOU CAN GO THERE. BECAUSE THEIR WARRANTY IS VERY NICE. ALL SALES MAN OF THESE SALES CENTER ARE GRADUATE PERSON. FOR THIS REASON THEY WILL GIVE YOU BEST SUPPORT. PRICE,QUALITY AND SERVICE ARE SO GOOD IN HERE.

THERE ARE MANY KIND OF PC AND LAPTOP AVAILEABLE HERE.

BCS COMPUTER CITY IS A DIFERENT IN OTHER MARKET AND THIS MARKET IS LARGEST MARKET IN BANGLADESH COMPUTER MARKET. THERE ARE TWO TYPE OF COMPUTER MARKET IN ELEPHANT ROAD. ONE OF THEM NEW COMPUTER MARKET AND THE OTHER OLD COMPUTER MARKET.

THIS MARKET IS ALSO KNOWN BY MULTIPLAN. HERE ALL NEW COMPUTER ACCSOSORIES ARE SALE IN RESONABLE PRICE. ALL OF THE IMPORTER SALES CENTER HERE. IF YOU WANT TO BUY ANY ACCSOSORIES YOU CAN GO THERE. BECAUSE THEIR WARRANTY IS VERY NICE. ALL SALES MAN OF THESE SALES CENTER ARE GRADUATE PERSON. FOR THIS REASON THEY WILL GIVE YOU BEST SUPPORT. PRICE,QUALITY AND SERVICE ARE SO GOOD IN HEREAND THE OTHER OLD COMPUTER MARKET. ECS COMPUTER CITY IS THE LARGEST NEW COMPUTER MARKET IN BANGLADESH HELD IN ELEPHANT ROAD. THIS MARKET IS ALSO KNOWN BY MULTIPLAN. HERE ALL NEW COMPUTER ACCSOSORIES ARE SALE IN RESONABLE PRICE. ALL OF THE IMPORTER SALES CENTER HERE. IF YOU WANT TO BUY ANY ACCSOSORIES YOU CAN GO THERE. BECAUSE THEIR WARRANTY IS VERY NICE. ALL SALES MAN OF THESE SALES CENTER ARE GRADUATE PERSON. FOR THIS REASON THEY WILL GIVE YOU BEST SUPPORT. PRICE,QUALITY AND SERVICE ARE SO GOOD IN HERE.

Bangladesh Total Internet Users reach 6 million in 2008

I compiled the data and if you disagree with it please let me know. BTRC should have the responsibility to provide us the correct information on this.

http://www.groundreport.com/Media_and_Tech/b

Bangladesh Total Internet Users

Bangladesh Internet service providers have over 1.0 million (10 lakh) subscribers and BTCL has about 30,000 internet users.

Mobile phone and PSTN operators have approximately 5.0 million (50 lakh) internet users. According to Grameen Phone 3.4 million subscriber access through hand set and Edge Modem.

The government is going to allow 170 more private firms to provide internet connections.

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What's good for Bangladesh is good for BANGLA IT. Serving your need to know.

"Innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower" - Steve Jobs

Sayeed Rahman
Founder BANGLA IT
http://www.banglait.org
http://banglait.blogspot.com/
http://www.groundreport.com/SayeedRahman
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sayeedrahman

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Biggest ever Bangladesh IT showcase in IT Outsourcing event OutsourceWorld New York USA

Dear members of BANGLA IT:

You will be happy to know that 40 top executives from 26 leading companies from Bangladesh are going to participate in OutsourceWorld New York, the premier IT Outsourcing event of USA which will be held at Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, USA on October 15-16, 2008 with a Country Pavilion supported by Export Promotion Bureau. This is going to be the biggest ever participation of Bangladeshi Software and ITES companies in USA.

OutsourceWorld draws a large number of senior business executives in USA who are responsible for the overall IT procurement of their companies. BASIS President Mr. Habibullah N Karim will lead the BASIS contingent as Team Leader and Mr. Shameem Ahsan, Vice President of BASIS will be the Deputy Team Leader. Mr. Mohammad Shawkat Ali , Director (Fair) of Export Promotion Bureau and Mr. Pradip Royhan, Private Secretary to Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Commerce will also be accompanying the fair participants as the Pavilion Director and Assistant Pavilion Director respectively.

There has been a rising global confidence in Bangladesh and its IT Industry in the recent years. Goldman Sachs recognized Bangladesh as one of the Next Eleven (N-11) - a list of eleven countries having strong potential for becoming the world's largest economies along with BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China), with highly promising outlooks for investment and future growth. European Commission has recently included Bangladesh as one of the top IT Outsourcing destinations in the world.

BASIS contingent in OutsourceWorld NY is bearing the slogan "Bangladesh: Asia's Emerging IT Services Destination" during the exhibition. To discuss risk mitigation strategies in Outsourcing and opportunities and challenges in outsourcing to Bangladesh, a seminar and lunch networking event will be held as a sideline event on the 2nd day of OutsourceWorld NY Exhibition from 12 Noon - 2 PM on 16th October, 2009, at Jacob Javits Center, Manhattan, NY. Arranged by BASIS, the national association for Software & IT Enabled services and Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), this seminar is aimed for paving a bridge between our IT entrepreneurs of USA and Bangladesh.

For registration at the seminar, please contact at info@basis.org.bd.

We look forward to seeing you at OutsourceWorld NY.