Computerization in Bangladesh

Introduction:
The term Computerization means to furnish with a computer or computer system or to enter, process, or store (information) in a computer or system of computers. That means to modify anything using computer.

History of Computer Application in Bangladesh:

Though the first main frame computer came to Bangladesh in 1964, but usage of PC and its popularization actually begins very late. Very recently the government has withdrawn import duties from Computer and computer related peripherals and it is actually boost up the usage of computer for general purposes. Even, now the scopes of computerization and effective application are severely underutilized due to many governmental policies. Due to withdrawal of taxes from computer prices of computer and computer related items dropped drastically and became affordable to general communities. However, it has been revealed from recent survey that almost 90% of the computers are Dhaka based and there has to be some policy on decentralization of these PCs to regions outside of Dhaka.

Present Condition:
IT Education and Personnel:
There are very few standard institutes who are giving high quality IT education in Bangladesh, but their costs are so high that they are barely within reach of general peoples. Many private organizations have opened independent institutes, though highly dense in Dhaka, are running with lack of proper syllabus and lack of acceptable technical qualities. Scopes are there to establish an IT institute with high quality services at reasonable fee to produce IT personnel for global market.

ISP Situation in Bangladesh:

Situations have been improved lately due to the withdrawal of the imposition on VSAT by the government and at present there are about 45 Independent (private) ISP companies, including the government owned BTTB. Three of them are located in Sylhet; three in Chittagong and rest are in Dhaka.

Anyone can install a VSAT with a simple permission from BTTB. Cost of VSAT equipment are nearly USD 40,000 and annual monthly lease fee to the Internet provider costs around USD 24,000 with an additional mandatory annual fee of USD 3500 to BTTB. Legal framework now also permits ISPs to float Public share in the stock exchange. In this aspect one should concentrate providing ISP service to small cities in Bangladesh, where they don't have any ISP services, while there is too much concentration of ISPs in Dhaka city alone and it is increasing competition. There are possibilities of using locally designed long distant Micro Wave (using multiple wireless routers) and these links are now available in Bangladesh at very reasonable costfor access to remote areas. Straight line of path (60Km range with 3mb access speed), each tower units cost approximately USD 2400. The difficult part of establishing an ISP here is to accommodate digital telephone lines to start up an ISP business due to unavailability of enough Telephone lines- in required time or in certain geographic areas and locations. Hence, remote wireless access may be a better solution for Bangladesh. A typical ISP may need a minimum of 30 independent (telephone) hunt lines to start up a business. The highest peak time charge (Internet usage fees) now is about Taka 1.50 paisa (6: am to 6: PM) and the lowest - off peak time charges is around 00.20 Paisa (2: 00pm to 6:00am) depending on the ISP. Grameen Cyber net (an ISP) has the largest number of subscriber base (about 6000) and the current bandwidth available now - what local ISP's are providing, ranges from 64kbs to 2mbs (BOL Online Ltd. and Proshikha are providing 2mbs access). Due to the failure of the government the country could not able to obtain a link to the sub-marine cable and also due to negligence in government policies the country domain .bd is still not functioning properly. Few local ISPs are: BDCOM Online Ltd., www.bdcom.com Aftab Net, www.aitlbd.net Agni Systems,www.agni.com BRAC BDMail Network,/www.bdmail.net Access telecom Ltd., www.accesstel.net Trans-Net Systems Ltd., www.transbd.net Global Online Services, www.globalbd.net Drik, www.drik.net Proshika, www.bdonline.com. BOL Online Ltd., www.bol-online.com ISN, www.bangla.net Grameen Cyber net, www.citechco.net Spectra, www.ssl-idt.net AB Network Ltd., abnetbd.com Sustainable development Networking Programmed (SDNP), a non-profit ISP is working in the field of providing digital connectivity to academics, national and international agencies and development partners. This project is financed by the UNDP and executed by the Bangladesh Institute of development Studies. Utilizing SDNP backbone, Internet

services could easily be extended to the remotest regions of Bangladesh through its regional hubs and information centers.

But general people using computer at a remarkable rate. As follows -

Education:
In Bangladesh students use computer in education sector. Students use Microsoft word, Microsoft power point and so many other software to make their assignment and presentations. They learn many things by using internet in computer.

Health and Medicine:

In Bangladesh Computer technology is radically changing the tools of medicine. All medical information can now be digitized. Software is now able to compute the risk of a disease. Mental health researchers are using computers to screen troubled teenagers in need of psychotherapy. A patient paralyzed by a stroke has received an implant that allows communication between his brain and a computer; as a result, he can move a cursor across a screen by brainpower and convey simple messages.

Science:
In Bangladesh scientists are using computer to calculate sophisticated calculations, and by using internet scientists are developing their knowledge. A new adventure among scientists is the idea of a collaborator, an internet based collaborative laboratory, in which researchers all over the world can work easily together even at a distance. The Bangladeshi Scientists are also participating in this work by using computer.

Business:
Business clearly sees the interest as a way to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Some areas of business that are undergoing rapid changes are sales and marketing, retailing, banking, stock trading, etc. Sales representatives not only need to be better educated and more knowledgeable about their customers businesses, but also must be comfortable with computer technology. Businessmen of our country are using computer and internet to perform their job efficiently. The internet has become a popular marketing tool. Computers can be used in business from the stage of manufacturing till the stage of its sale. We cant think of a business without a computer. Business is all around of computers. A manager's work is depends on computer scheduling controlling communication managing data and all the information about company and competitors. Computers can keep records of all the employees and prepare their pay cheques in a fraction of minutes every month. A computer can easily carry out automatic checks on the stock of a particular item.

Recreation and Entertainment:

Our entertainment and pleasure-time have also been affected by computerization. For example: i) In movies, computer generated graphics give freedom to designers so that special effects and even imaginary characters can play a part in making movies, videos, and commercials. ii) In sports, computers compile statistics, sell tickets, create training programs and diets for athletes, and suggest game plan strategies based on the competitors past performance. iii) In restaurants, almost everyone has eaten food where the clerk enters an order by indicating choices on a rather unusual looking cash register; the device directly enters the actual data into a computer, and calculates the cost and then prints a receipt.

Government:
Various departments of the Government use computer for their planning, control and law enforcement activities. To name a few Traffic, Tourism, Information & Broadcasting, Education, Aviation and many others.

Defense:
1) Computers are used to track incoming missiles and help slew weapons systems onto the incoming target to destroy them. 2) Computers are used in helping the military find out where all their assets are (Situational Awareness) and in Communications/Battle Management Systems. 3) Computers are used in the logistic and ordering functions of getting equipments to and around the battlefield. 4) Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help run the platform and more recently to help diagnose any problems with the platforms. 5) Computers help design and test new systems.

Sports:
In today's technologically growing society, computers are being used in nearly every activity.

Recording Information:
Official statistics keepers and some scouts use computers to record statistics, take notes and chat online while attending and working at a sports event.

Analyzing Movements:
The best athletes pay close attention to detail. Computers can slow recorded video and allow people to study their specific movements to try to improve their tendencies and repair poor habits.

Writers:
Many sportswriters attend several sporting events a week and they take their computers with them to write during the game or shortly after while their thoughts are fresh in their mind. Book writers use computer to compose their writings.

Scoreboard:
While some scoreboards are manually updated, most professional sports venues have very modern scoreboards that are programmed to update statistics and information immediately after the information is entered into the computer.

Safety:
In business many information has to collect and store. Accountant or relevant party can use computer to collect data, keep records by saving them and protecting them from being spoiled.

Other computerized machines used in Bangladesh are:

Double system computerized machine. Computerized Jacquard Circular Knitting Machine. Three system computerized machine Computerized knitting machine Computerized Embroidery machine Computerized Embroidery Cap Computerized Lockstitch Button sewing Machine Han Shin Computerized Knitting Machine Computerized embroidery machine with sequin device Woven Label Jacquard Machine High speed single-needle Direct drive computerized lockstitch sewing machine Sell Computerized Sock
COMPUTERIZED JACQUARD SOCKS KNITTING MACHINE

Growth Rate:
The growth rate is quite impressive. A recent study indicates that the PC growth rate in our country is around 40%. However even with this rate it is likely that considerable time will have elapsed before PC penetration reaches more reasonable levels. Taking aside the rural population out of the equation we can see that computing penetration is very high indeed. This is a very good sign in the sense that it provides an informal infrastructure for this sector to develop. As expected recently our country business has shown a gradual start in shift in focusing on solution services rather than simply hardware services. With each day, more and more firms are coming into the fore for providing IT solutions based services to not only local but also international firms. Also more and more firms are exporting software solutions to different countries worldwide.

At present the ICT sector can be classified into four areas : Hardware : Software Solution : Network Solutions : IT enabled service

Problems of Application of Computer in Bangladesh:

1. In Bangladesh there are many lower class people. Computer has reduced the work of people which affects the income level of the poor people and there by their life style get lower. Students use computer to play games which harm their eyes and study time. Sometimes students get lazy by using computer and they dont want to work. Anti social behavior is increasing.

2. 3. 4.

Future Prospect of Computer in Bangladesh:

At present Information Technology (IT) is a subject of widespread interest in Bangladesh. There are around 100 software houses, 35 data entry centers, thousands of formal and informal IT training centers and numerous computer shops. The Government has declared IT as a thrust sector and that computer training centre will be set up in each divisional and district headquarters of Bangladesh. Import of computer hardware and software is now duty free, VSAT is deregulated, and high speed DDN (Digital Data Network) has been introduced. One fourth of the 45 recommendations of JRC report on software export have already been implemented; rest is in the process of implementation. A tremendous activity is going on in every sector including e-commerce, e-governance, computer networking, Internet, web browsing, web applications, multimedia product development etc. Some active steps and initiatives are already there, as described below for an exposure of the present and future prospects of IT in Bangladesh.

Telecommunication: Bangladesh has one of the lowest tele-density in Asia, with a

mere 0.6 (in India 1.5) lines per 100 people. In terms of phone connectivity, the charge of Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board (BTTB) is one of the highest in the world, approximately US$500.00 (in India US$60) for normal single telephone line connection. However, there has been significant improvement in services of telecommunication within last few years. Present government is also trying to get additional telephone lines from a Canadian firm. If these telephone lines are available in Bangladesh, most of the PC users will be able to use internet and find a scope to build up international career.

Associations and Professional Bodies: The associations and professional

bodies who are playing vital role to develop the IT sector in Bangladesh are as follows: * Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) was formed in 1979. This is an association of the IT Professionals. * Bangladesh Computer Sanity (BCS) was formed in 1987. This is basically an association of Computer Vendors. * Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) was formed in 1998 to promote the interest of IT business, especially for software development and related IT services. * Bangladesh Software Marketing and Promotions (BSMP), a private organization, has been formed with the view to helping the local computer programmers and promote their software. * Bangladesh Computer Writers Association has been formed to promote the writers activities in the country.

* Bangladesh Association for Information Technology Education (BAITE) has been formed to promote the activities toward standardizing informal IT education in the country.

Banks Support: Well-trained Bangladeshi IT professionals can start their business

like Data entry, Web development, Multimedia, ISP and Medical Data Transcription services, Cybercaf and IT Training Centre. They can easily get financial help from bank. A number of government banks have already started credit programmes to encourage the entrepreneurs in software industry. Some private banks are using our locally developed software too. However, due to some constraints the outcome is not up to the expectation.

Government Initiatives: The Government of Bangladesh has taken some

important initiatives to develop our IT sector. Still we are waiting to see a fruitful change in our Information Technology. However, some remarkable steps of government are highlighted for information. * IT has been declared as a thrust sector. * Quick implementation of the recommendations of JRC reports (a high powered committee for software export). * Waiving all taxes and duties from import of computer hardware and software. * Hundred percent remittances of profit and capital gains for foreign investors without any approval. * BTTB's implementation of DDN service. * Decision to link Bangladesh to global highway through submarine cable link by next two years.

Bangladesh Computer Council: Bangladesh Computer Council is the apex

body of the government dealing with Information Technology. BCC is running according to BCC Act, 1990 as an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Science & Technology. BCC is playing various types of roles regarding the IT booming over the country.

Human Resource: Human resource is the most important component for IT

industry. Bangladesh has a huge educated, unemployed youth force with the ability to read and write English. The country can take advantage of its immense manpower to train and prepare programmers and IT professionals. Government has already started a project to develop Computer Programmers in Bangladesh. All the universities are offering one year post-graduate Diploma course for the graduates. Our unemployed educated persons can take this opportunity to build their career as IT professionals.

IT Awareness: Young generation in Bangladesh is very enthusiastic and has

correctly identified IT as the future of the country. There are numerous computer clubs, computer festivals, programming contests, web design contests; IT related seminars and discussions in many cities of the country. There are about 16 magazines and four digital IT magazines are being published monthly and some daily newspapers publish IT pages once/twice a week. A few of the magazines are in collaboration with other international magazines; however, most of these are Bangladeshi origin. There are a few interactive sites and forums. A number of business centers and cybercafs have started up recently. Most of these business centers provide e-mail; e-mail to fax, phone fax services and cyber cafes offer Internet browsing.

E-commerce: Recently there has been a surge in E-commerce activities in

Bangladesh. There are E-commerce related seminars and symposiums in the country almost every day and all the major training centers are offering courses on E-commerce. Government is now formulating laws for e-commerce to enhance the business rapidly and smoothly.

IT Park and International Market: Some private organizations have already

started to work for setting up IT Park and IT villages in the country. Some investors are foreigners and they are very much interested to build Bangladeshi students as IT professionals. They have already started to commission their views. Our Bangladeshi students can take this chance and hit the international job market in the IT field. There are lot of scopes of working and entering into the international market. Just we have to take proper initiatives. Bangladeshi IT professionals have a good demand in international IT job market, which has been proved by some of our BUET students.

Conclusion:
Our Bangladeshi students should be more aware about Information Technology and they should take proper decision to build their career. Indians have changed their whole financial position by IT. Their government also is very much serious about IT. Anyway, Bangladesh has a long way to go in a very short time to enjoy the fruits of information age. It will be only possible when there will be political commitment with better IT infrastructure, internal network, country domain and above all a high speed fiber optic link to the Information Superhighway.