A group of geniuses came from all over the world to prove their talent by solving computer programming problems. In the presence of thousands of talented people, a brilliant example was established by organizing the most prestigious international competition “ICPC World Finals Dhaka” with university students from different regions of the world.
“ICPC World Finals Dhaka” of the 45th edition of “International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC)” was held at ICCB, Bashundhara, Dhaka.
A. Mannan, the Minister of the Ministry of Planning of the Government of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest in the closing ceremony on Thursday in the evening. The State Minister of Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP was present as a special guest of the event. Besides, ICPC Foundation President and ICPC Executive Director Dr. William B. Poucher was present.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) Dr. Mohammad Alauddin delivered his welcome speech. Before that, ICPC Deputy Executive Director and Director of ICPC World Finals Contest Dr. Michael J. Donahue gave a welcome speech. At the end of the program, Professor Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific and Director of ICPC World Finals Dhaka delivered the closing speech. Information and Communication Technology Division Senior Secretary NM Zeaul Alam PAA and BCC Executive Director Ranjit Kumar and others were also present.
Before announcing the names of the winners, Minister of Planning M. A. Mannan said, we have hardworking people. Around the world we now have about 12 million people physically working in the workplace. They work in various fields and create wealth for the nation where they work. It has thereby opened a bridge of connection with the world for us. The Planning Minister encouraged anyone who goes abroad to take appropriate education from there and come back to the country to take part in the development of their country. He said we have been able to break the chain of poverty to bring about change. We are also providing a lot of investment funds for the benefit of people.
The minister also said that for the first time in our history we have been able to combat hunger. As a result, the world has created confidence among nations that we will finally be able to uplift to a middle-income country by the end of this decade. We hope that by 2041, our country will be promoted to a developing country. In this context, working with our ICT Division on modern digital technologies will be our very important transformation tools for the coming days.
While speaking as the special guest, the Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we have achieved a rapid social and economic progress. He said that Bangladesh’s GDP grew by 6% in the decade before the pandemic and per capita income rose from US$500 to US$2,800 in the last 13 years.
Palak highlighted the recent achievements of Digital Bangladesh in the event.
He said Bangladesh has made considerable progress in digitalization by establishing “Union Digital Center” to ensure online government, commerce and banking services and enable internet connectivity in villages. Palak also said that Bangladesh is becoming a thriving country for startups and new innovative ideas, thus creating a suitable environment for investment in the startup industry.
He further said that by 2025, there is a target of creating 30 million jobs and efforts are underway to export 5 billion dollars from the ICT sector. We have plans to set up our fourth Industrial Revolution Center in Dhaka soon in partnership with the World Economic Forum. Palak said, Bangladesh is currently enjoying the benefits of demographic dividend. We are getting more than 20 thousand IT and ITES graduates every year from 150 universities. Finally, he said, our manpower is an economic power for Bangladesh as well as the world.
Dr. Mohammad Alauddin said in his speech that the ICPC World Final is a celebration of the excellence of universities. This world final competition will serve as a living example and shining manifestation of what universities can do to uplift the world nation. Finally he thanked for outstanding role in building human power in computer science and engineering.
President of ICPC Foundation Dr. William B. Poucher said the ICPC has become a popular event. Every year participants from all over the world take part which is very important. He expressed sincere thanks to Bangladesh for the successful and colorful organization of the final competition in Dhaka.
During the competition, it can be seen that solving the computer programming problem increases the number of balloons next to the teams. Each team has one computer and three programmers. During the announcement of the results, the ICPC officials and judges created a dramatic moment.