The 45th session of ICPC, widely known as the World cup of Programming started in Dhaka with the objective of becoming the future problem solver for the welfare of humanity through programming. ICPC Foundation presented plaques commemorating the contribution of event hosts, coaches, sponsors and Regional Competition Directors (RCDs) at the inaugural event.
Distinguished personality late national professor and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific Dr. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, the dreamer of organizing ICPC World Final was honored in the event.
Selina Nowroz Chowdhury, wife of late Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, accepted the posthumous recognition for the late professor’s contribution at the event.
The award was given at the inaugural ceremony at Gul Nkasha Hall of Bashundhara International Conference Center on Tuesday.
President of ICPC Foundation and ICPC Executive Director Dr. William B. Poucher praised the hospitality of Bangladesh as the host country.
In his welcome address, he remembered Late Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury for popularizing programming to solve global problems, including his association with the International Organization of Problem Solvers in Bangladesh. ICPC Deputy Executive Director and Director of ICPC World Finals Contest Dr. Michael J. Donahue echoed the same tone.
Reminding that technology has been recognized by the United Nations as a real game changer for digital Bangladesh, Professor Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific and Director of ICPC World Finals Dhaka, said that computer programming is one of the skills to solve problems today. We have been participating in programming competitions since 1998 and doing well every year. Our students are doing great.
In between the speeches, a fusion of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and modernity was presented in front of the invited guests.
Then Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Executive Director Ranjit Kumar and Information and Communication Technology Department Senior Secretary NM Zeaul Alam delivered their speeches.
Addressing the participants as ‘champions’, ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, yesterday I wanted to know the reason for giving one PC for three people at the competition venue. Then I came to know it is for team work. I think Bangladesh will establish itself as Smart Bangladesh by 2041 through Creativity, Creation and co-operation.
“In 13 years we have seen a lot of progress in the ICT sector. 13 years ago we had only 50 million internet users, now 130 million. Exports in the technology sector were only $26 million. Now it is 1.4 billion USD. We have achieved the success of becoming Digital Bangladesh and based on that success, we now want to build a sustainable, knowledge-based and creative ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041” – added Palak.
He said, programming is the language of the future. Today’s programmers will lead the world of tomorrow. I hope today’s programmers use their code for the good of society and humanity.
Finally, the Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen inaugurated the competition. Calling youth as a driver in the development of global technology, he said that programming will be the language of the future. In this case, you are the rising star. So you need to master programming. If not, fall back.
Mentioning that the world of the future will run on artificial intelligence, he added that for this reason we are giving importance to innovative technology along with digital infrastructure development and digital literacy.
Meanwhile, the foreign minister urged everyone not to misuse social media.
The 45th ICPC World Finals will be held on 10 November 2022 at ICCB, Bashundhara. 137 teams from around the world will compete in this year’s World Finals. More than 1000 guests from 70 countries are staying in Dhaka to celebrate the competition.
More than 1000 local and foreign guests including contestants were present at the opening ceremony.
A total of three cultural performances on the theme of Celebration of Global Youth, The Convergence (Music of the World X AI) and Sound of the Nation were showcased as special attractions of the event.