For future ICT enabled Bangladesh

The panel of speakers at ICCIT 2006

Obviously we can enjoy the blessing of globalisation if we systematically incorporate Information Communication Technology (ICT) in all segments of government as well as establish more state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure to foster the ICT oriented activities.

With a vision of future ICT enabled Bangladesh, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) organised the 9th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT 2006) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre from December 21-23.

In order to give a platform for exchanging ideas and dissemination of the research works done at different universities, Dhaka University (DU) held the first conference in 1997. Since then, ICCIT is being held every year by different universities which includes, among others, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Shah Jalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), and Jahangirnagar University (JU).

The theme for this year's conference was "ICT and Better Society". This year a total of 445 papers were submitted for consideration from 11 countries. These papers were reviewed by the eminent scholars of the International Program Committee from Oxford Brookes University, Norfolk State University, University of Manitoba, University of Amsterdam, University of Victoria, University of Tennessee, University of Newcastle, Nagoya Institute of Technology, University of Texas at Dallas, University of London, University of Sheffield, The City University of New York, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, University of New South Wales, and Georgia State University.

Out of 445 papers, 117 papers were recommended for presentation in the conference. This amounted to an acceptance rate of 25.16 per cent - the lowest rate ever.

In the inaugural ceremony distinguished speakers stated different strategic issues and explain the goal of the conference.

Prof. Omar Rahman, pro vice chancellor, IUB in his speech briefly described the mission of ICCIT 2006 and appreciated all who attended this occasion. Prof. Mohammad Ataul Karim, vice president for research, Old Dominion University and chair, International Program Committee, ICCIT 2006 talked on paper acceptance, overall paper quality, and the future scope of research activities.

Prof. Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury, vice chancellor of IUB and chair, Advisory Committee, ICCIT 2006 elaborated the impact of ICT in our society. Chief guest, Towhid Samad, chairman, ESTCDT, IUB spotlighted the upcoming challenges of digital age and other ICT related issues.

In his closing remarks Prof. Mohammed Anwer, director, School of Engineering & Computer Science and chair, Organizing Committee, ICCIT 2006 expressed his gratitude to all responsible authorities and sponsor organisations for their outstanding support to successfully holding the ICCIT 2006.

Edward Apurba Singha