ICPC is a token of commitment to digital world's creation: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen said the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is a token of Bangladesh's commitment to the creation of a thriving digital world with easy, accessible and equitable solutions for all.

"This contest today, more than the problems it solves, is indeed a genuine acknowledgement of a new Bangladesh and its many new capabilities - where digitalization is embedded into state policies and priority actions," he as the chief guest said while inaugurating the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals Dhaka' held at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) here yesterday.

With the presence of State Minister for the ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak as a special guest, the event was attended by the President of the ICPC Foundation and ICPC Executive Director Dr William B Poucher as the guest of honour.

Deputy Executive Director of ICPC and ICPC Director of World Finals Contests Dr Michael J Donahoo, Senior Secretary of ICT Division N M Zeaul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of UAP and Director of ICPC World Finals Dhaka Prof Dr Qumrul Ahsan and Executive Director of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Ranajit Kumar were also present at the event.

Palak, in his speech, said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman envisioned making science and technology-based Golden Bangladesh.

Highlighting the importance of computer programming, he said, "This can help us improve the world, but we need to collaborate, not compete."

He added that, "Programming is the language of the future as it can help bridge the gap between cultures, languages and societies. This is apparent through the various technological innovations we see in the world today. I believe that programmers are the problem solvers of tomorrow."

Palak said, "Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia. We have progressed significantly in all sectors by utilizing ICT."

He also explained the importance of the 3 C's - Creativity, Collaboration and Co-creation.