Bangladesh Computer Council
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The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) is a statutory government organization operating under the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology of the
government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...
. Its headquarters are situated in Agargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was initially known as the ''National Computer Committee'' (NCC) in 1983 and transformed into the ''Bangladesh Computer Council'' through Act No. 9 of the
National Parliament In modern politics and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: Representation (politics), representing the Election#Suffrage, electorate, making laws, and overseeing ...
in 1990. Since its inception, the BCC has been an important advocate for the country's technological development, specifically in
information and communications technology Information and communications technology (ICT) is an extensional term for information technology (IT) that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals) and computer ...
(ICT). In collaboration with government organizations in Bangladesh, this organization is responsible for developing national ICT plans, strategies, and policies, empowering Digital Bangladesh, implementing
e-government E-government (known for electronic government) involves utilizing technology devices, such as computers and the Internet, for faster means of delivering public services to citizens and other persons in a country or region. E-government offer ...
, and collaborating with various government organizations and private sector partners. They also set ICT standards and specifications, develop ICT infrastructure, provide advice on IT technology utilization and security measures, identify issues related to national
cyber security Computer security (also cybersecurity, digital security, or information technology (IT) security) is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It consists of the protection of computer software, systems and networks from thr ...
and
cybercrimes Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of criminal activities that are carried out using digital devices and/or Computer network, networks. It has been variously defined as "a crime committed on a computer network, especially the Internet"; Cyberc ...
, and investigate, remediate, prevent, and suppress these issues. The BCC has undertaken numerous projects to improve the country's ICT infrastructure, such as ''BanglaGovNet'', ''Info-Sarker Phases II'' and ''III'', ''Connected Bangladesh'', and others, many of which have already been completed. It has also significantly contributed to human resource development by providing training to thousands of individuals, including the
disabled Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physica ...
,
transgender A transgender (often shortened to trans) person has a gender identity different from that typically associated with the sex they were sex assignment, assigned at birth. The opposite of ''transgender'' is ''cisgender'', which describes perso ...
and
third-gender Third gender or third sex is an identity recognizing individuals categorized, either by themselves or by society, as neither a man nor a woman. Many gender systems around the world include three or more genders, deriving the concept either from ...
communities, and women entrepreneurs. The BCC has been organizing various competitions and events to promote information technology education in the country, including the ''National Children and Youth Programming Contest, the International Blockchain Olympiad, and the
International Collegiate Programming Contest The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is an annual multi-tiered competitive programming competition among the universities of the world. Directed by ICPC Executive Director and Baylor Professor William B. Poucher, the ICPC oper ...
.'' These events provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their skills and passion for this field, advance the country's startup ecosystem, and increase computer programming's popularity among the younger generation. In 2022, the BCC organized the 45th Annual
International Collegiate Programming Contest The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is an annual multi-tiered competitive programming competition among the universities of the world. Directed by ICPC Executive Director and Baylor Professor William B. Poucher, the ICPC oper ...
World Final in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The organization has received several awards and recognitions for its achievements in promoting ICT in Bangladesh, such as the ''WITSA award'', ''WSIS Winner Prize'', ''ASOCIO Digital Government Award'', ''Open Group President Award'', ''Public Administration Award 2017, etc''.


History

The
government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...
established the ''National Computer Committee'' (NCC) in 1983. Nevertheless, the ''National Computer Board'' (NCB) took over the role of the NCC in 1988. In 1989, the "''Bangladesh Computer Council Ordinance''" was put into effect. The following year, the
National Parliament In modern politics and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: Representation (politics), representing the Election#Suffrage, electorate, making laws, and overseeing ...
enacted Act No. 9, "''Bangladesh Computer Council Act, 1990"'', which transformed the National Computer Board into a statutory body under the name "Bangladesh Computer Council". BCC continued to function under the President's Secretariat until 1991. In 1991, this organization was placed under the Ministry of Science and Technology, which later became the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology. Over the years, the BCC has evolved and expanded its scope of activities to meet the growing demands of the ICT sector. In 2011, the BCC was placed under the newly created Information and Communication Technology Division of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology of the
government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...
(GoB).


Objectives

The Bangladesh Computer Council operates with the following objectives to advance ICT in Bangladesh: * ''Setting and implementing national information technology policies, strategies, and plans for effective application and expansion of ICT in the country'' * ''Empower Digital Bangladesh.'' * ''Implement e-government.'' * ''Collaborate with the different government agencies and private sector partners to execute National ICT Plans.'' * ''Foster research and development in ICT.'' * ''Develop skilled human resources for IT-based industries.''


Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Bangladesh Computer Council include: # ''Encouraging the use of ICT for social and economic development'' # ''Developing the practical infrastructure for the use of computers in various sectors of the national economy and improving the quality of education, training, and professional standards related to computers'' # ''Helping Bangladeshi citizens become competitive in the field of information technology'' # ''Developing human resources and skills in computer technology and exporting these resources to the global market'' # ''Formulating and implementing national ICT strategies and policies'' # ''Cooperating with the government and other organizations in the use of ICT and providing them with advice'' # ''Promoting the use of ICT in government and other organizations'' # ''Providing advice on security measures for the use of ICT'' # ''Building training centers, libraries, and laboratories for computer science, providing the necessary equipment, and maintaining them'' # ''Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information on ICT'' # ''Publishing reports, projects, and periodicals on computer science and ICT'' # ''Organizing discussions and workshops on computer science, ICT, and other related topics and conducting training on these topics'' # ''Providing grants for research, education, and training in ICT'' # ''Communicating and cooperating with all relevant government, private, domestic, and foreign organizations in the interest of achieving national goals in the field of ICT'' # ''Negotiating and signing contracts with domestic and foreign organizations with the prior approval of the government as necessary for the performance of the BCC's functions'' # ''Carrying out any special duties assigned by the government related to computer science'' # ''Defining the standards and specifications of computer science and ICT'' # ''Taking any necessary steps to perform the above-mentioned functions'' These responsibilities encompass a wide range of initiatives and projects aimed at contributing to the development of the ICT sector in Bangladesh.


Organizational structure

The BCC has a robust organizational structure that allows it to handle its wide range of responsibilities and initiatives efficiently. The Executive Director is the highest-ranking official and is responsible for overseeing all operations of this organization. Under the Executive Director, there are three primary Divisions, each headed by a Member, and each of these divisions further consists of several subdivisions, each overseen by a Director. The Technical Division handles technical matters such as data center operations, Certifying Authority activities, Object Identifier (OID) operations, and government-level ICT support services. The Policy, Strategy, and Development Division is responsible for formulating and overseeing information technology policies, strategies, and development efforts. The Capacity Development and Human Resources Division is in charge of capacity building and human resource functions for the ICT sector.


Regional offices

BCC has established seven regional offices in different parts of the country, which collaborate with local governments and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement national information and technology policies, strategies, and plans. These offices also assist in the implementation of e-government initiatives at the local level. Furthermore, They provide ICT training, develop ICT curricula, and support human development by hosting workshops, seminars, and online practice and e-learning activities in their respective regions with the collaboration of the local ICT industry. Regional offices of this organization: * Rajshahi office * Chattogram office * Khulna office * Sylhet office * Barishal office * Faridpur office and * Rangpur office.


BCC's Council Committee

The BCC's Council Committee is a group of 12 individuals from various government departments. The council is in charge of supervising and directing the council's operations. According to the information available, the members of the Council Committee are as follows: * Chairperson: The State Minister of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology * Vice-Chairperson: Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology * Member Secretary: Executive Director of Bangladesh Computer Council * Members: There are 7 members in the BCC's Council Committee.


Activities and services


CA operation and security

BCC's CA Operations and Security serves as the sole official Certifying Authority of the
government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...
. Its duties entail overseeing CA operations, enforcing regulations, and managing Electronic Signatures and a secure repository of electronic signature certificates. This guarantees a reliable infrastructure for secure electronic transactions and communications in Bangladesh while providing secure
digital certificates In cryptography, a public key certificate, also known as a digital certificate or identity certificate, is an electronic document used to prove the validity of a Key authentication, public key. The certificate includes the public key and informati ...
, web-based SSL certificates, PKI tools, and e-signatures to government organizations.


Network Operations Center

The National Network Operation Center (NOC) was formed in 2014 to operate and maintain the e-government Network. It focuses on network security, planning, research and development, operation, upgrade, and maintenance of nationwide government networks. NOC provides internet,
intranet An intranet is a computer network for sharing information, easier communication, collaboration tools, operational systems, and other computing services within an organization, usually to the exclusion of access by outsiders. The term is used in ...
,
extranet An extranet is a controlled private computer network that allows communication with business partners, vendors and suppliers or an authorized set of customers. It extends intranet to trusted outsiders. It provides access to needed services for au ...
, and government
video conference Video is an electronic medium for the recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media. Video was first developed for mechanical television systems, which were quickly replaced by cathode-ray tube (CRT) syst ...
networks for the
President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television *'' Præsident ...
, Prime Minister,
Ministries Ministry may refer to: Government * Ministry (collective executive), the complete body of government ministers under the leadership of a prime minister * Ministry (government department), a department of a government Religion * Christian mi ...
,
Bangladesh Secretariat The Bangladesh Secretariat () is the administrative headquarters of the Government of Bangladesh, and houses the majority of ministries and government agencies and bodies, located in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The secretariat can refer to the complex ...
, and field administration. NOC provides consultation with other
government organizations State ownership, also called public ownership or government ownership, is the ownership of an industry, asset, property, or enterprise by the national government of a country or state, or a public body representing a community, as opposed to ...
in preparing network standards and specifications. Currently, it is providing network operation and maintenance services in 18,834 government offices up to the upazila level. It also monitors the network connectivity of 2600 unions under the national priority project named ‘Info Sarker-3’.


Data center

BCC operates a ''Tier III-certified National Data Center'' in Bangladesh that offers a comprehensive range of services to government organizations. This data center provides secure and reliable cloud services and the storage and management of digital data for various government agencies and organizations in the country. The National Data Center offers a range of Cloud computing services, including Elastic Cloud Server (ECS), Image Management Services (IMS), Elastic Volume Service (EVS) for
Cloud Storage Cloud storage is a model of computer data storage in which data, said to be on "the cloud", is stored remotely in logical pools and is accessible to users over a network, typically the Internet. The physical storage spans multiple servers (so ...
, Volume Backup Service (VBS), and Cloud Server Backup Service (CSBS) for Cloud Backup. In addition, it provides
Virtual Private Cloud A virtual private cloud (VPC) is an on-demand configurable pool of shared resources allocated within a '' public cloud'' environment, providing a certain level of isolation between the different organizations (denoted as ''users'' hereafter) usi ...
(VPC), Elastic IP (EIP), Elastic Load Balancer (ELB), and
Virtual Firewall A virtual firewall (VF) is a network firewall service or appliance running entirely within a platform virtualization, virtualized environment and which provides the usual packet filtering and monitoring provided via a physical network firewall. The ...
(VFW) for Cloud Network Services. Other services offered are
virtual Private Servers A virtual private server (VPS) or virtual dedicated server (VDS) is a virtual machine sold as a service by an Internet hosting company. A virtual private server runs its own copy of an operating system (OS), and customers may have superuser- ...
, Load Balancing,
Email Service A mailbox provider, mail service provider or, somewhat improperly, email service provider is a provider of email hosting. It implements Message transfer agent, email servers to send, receive, accept, and store email for other organizations or End ...
,
Web Hosting A web hosting service is a type of Internet hosting service that hosts websites for clients, i.e. it offers the facilities required for them to create and maintain a site and makes it accessible on the World Wide Web. Companies providing web ho ...
,
Backup In information technology, a backup, or data backup is a copy of computer data taken and stored elsewhere so that it may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. The verb form, referring to the process of doing so, is "wikt:back ...
, and Colocation Services. A dedicated security team is in place to monitor and handle any security incidents that may arise.


Testing, Quality Control and Certification

This wing facilitates the testing (functional, performance, and security) of all software, applications, and mobile apps developed and procured by the government entity for e-government service delivery. It also conducts hardware testing, ensures quality assurance, and coordinates software certification.


Research and development

BCC is conducting research and development work on emerging technologies in the field of information technology. It formulates appropriate standards for implementing e-governance and software and hardware for capacity development, and it works on interoperability. It establishes and manages appropriate centers or systems to develop the innovative power of potential ICT graduates. It works on the development of IT personnel according to domestic and international markets and the commercialization of ICT.


Policy, strategy, and planning

BCC assists the
government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...
in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring. This organization coordinates with government institutions, conducts studies and surveys, and develops management information systems to address national needs.


ICT-related consultancy services

BCC provides ICT-related consultancy services to government and public organizations. These services include
requirements analysis In systems engineering and software engineering, requirements analysis focuses on the tasks that determine the needs or conditions to meet the new or altered product or project, taking account of the possibly conflicting requirements of the v ...
for hardware and software, technical
specification A specification often refers to a set of documented requirements to be satisfied by a material, design, product, or service. A specification is often a type of technical standard. There are different types of technical or engineering specificati ...
preparation, requirement analysis for automation, tender document preparation, and tender evaluation for government organizations with
e-government E-government (known for electronic government) involves utilizing technology devices, such as computers and the Internet, for faster means of delivering public services to citizens and other persons in a country or region. E-government offer ...
empowerment initiatives. Additionally, they provide on-demand websites and
software development Software development is the process of designing and Implementation, implementing a software solution to Computer user satisfaction, satisfy a User (computing), user. The process is more encompassing than Computer programming, programming, wri ...
. Furthermore, BCC offers ICT professional recruitment assistance.


Condemnation service

BCC provides a crucial condemnation service for computers and related equipment, ''ensuring proper identification and removal of outdated, obsolete, or non-functional hardware'' for all government offices in Bangladesh. This service encourages responsible electronic waste disposal and the adoption of advanced technologies.


Object identifiers

BCC is the country Registration Authority (RA) for Object identifiers (OIDs). They received approval from the
International Telecommunication Union The International Telecommunication Union (ITU)In the other common languages of the ITU: * * is a list of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for many matters related to information ...
(ITU) on July 30, 2012, to function as the country's RA. As the RA, this organization is responsible for allocating and managing OIDs within the country's OID allocation structure, which starts with country OID 2.16.50. The BCC oversees OID registration, ensures compliance, approves OIDs for the global repository, collaborates with
ITU-T The International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is one of the three Sectors (branches) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is responsible for coordinating Standardization, standards fo ...
, defines valid objects, and assists OID users. As the country's RA, this organization facilitates a secure PKI and other IT initiatives.


BGD e-GOV CIRT

The Bangladesh e-government Computer Incident Response Team, also known as the National Computer Emergency Response Team of Bangladesh, is responsible for preventing and responding to cyber security threats within the country. They work closely with international partners to ensure the safety of Bangladesh's cyberspace. Their duties include receiving reviews, responding to computer security incidents, conducting research and development, and providing guidance on security threats and vulnerabilities. Additionally, they assist government organizations, financial organizations, law enforcement agencies, academia, and civil society in improving overall
cyber security Computer security (also cybersecurity, digital security, or information technology (IT) security) is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It consists of the protection of computer software, systems and networks from thr ...
. They also provide the necessary support to the ' Digital Security Agency'. BGD e-GOV CIRT offers a range of essential services, including incident handling,
digital forensics Digital forensics (sometimes known as digital forensic science) is a branch of forensic science encompassing the recovery, investigation, examination, and analysis of material found in digital devices, often in relation to mobile devices and com ...
, cyber security training, threat intelligence, IT audits, cyber sensors, risk assessment, and awareness building. These services help organizations identify and respond to security incidents, evaluate potential security gaps, and build awareness about the importance of cyber security.


Bangladesh National Digital Architecture

The government of Bangladesh has developed a National
Enterprise architecture framework An enterprise architecture framework (EA framework) defines how to create and use an enterprise architecture. An architecture framework provides principles and practices for creating and using the architecture description of a system. It structu ...
called the ''Bangladesh National Digital Architecture Framework'' based on leading standards, practices, and frameworks like Open Group's TOGAF 9. This framework has been customized to meet the specific requirements and strategic objectives of the country. It consists of various key components that aim to establish the ''Bangladesh National Enterprise Architecture Framework''. Such a component is the ''eGovernment Interoperability Framework,'' which ensures seamless integration and communication across different government departments and agencies. The Mobile Service Delivery Platform defines the architecture and standards for efficient mobile service delivery. The National e-Service Bus acts as a middleware application or platform, facilitating the integration of e-services.


Training and development

BCC offers various training courses and programs, as well as job fairs, workshops, seminars, and programming competitions nationwide. They also provide specialized training and events for disadvantaged communities, including the disabled and third-gender communities. Women entrepreneurs can also access various training opportunities.


Bangladesh Korea Institute of Information and Communication Technology (BKIICT)

To satisfy the rising demand in both the national and international job markets, BCC maintains an ICT training institute called BKIICT that provides a variety of ICT-related programs, including standard certification courses, diplomas, and post-graduate diplomas. The institute also provides customized courses for government officials to improve their ICT skills and efficiency. Besides, BKIICT conducts aptitude tests for ICT candidates applying for jobs in various government departments and organizations on behalf of those institutions. They also conduct computer proficiency tests and provide lab rental services according to government requirements.


Information-Technology Engineers Examination in Bangladesh

BCC's Bangladesh ICT-Engineers Examination Center, known as BD ITech, is responsible for the annual administration of the Information Technology Engineers Examination (ITEE) in Bangladesh. The ITEE is an internationally recognized information technology examination developed by Japan's Information Technology Promotion Agency (IPA). This exam applies to both IT and non-IT professionals and graduates, and their knowledge and skills in this field can get international recognition. Since 2013, BD-iTech has been entrusted by the Japanese government to conduct, implement, and certify ITEE exams in Bangladesh.


Projects

BCC is conducting various national-level projects to improve the country's ICT infrastructure. Some such projects are:


Contributions


Human resource development

The BCC has made significant contributions to ICT human resource development. The BCC and its various projects have trained over 2,36,000 individuals, including 187,200 males and 46,800 females, in various ICT skills until April 3, 2023. Notably, from 2010 to 2022, BKIICT and 7 regional centers trained 36,000 individuals in diploma/PGD and short-term courses, preparing them for global employment opportunities. BCC has also empowered teachers and students, with 7,890 teachers trained as master trainers and 112,189 students receiving Basic ICT training. The council has provided training in emerging technologies like
artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computer, computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of re ...
(AI), the
internet of things Internet of things (IoT) describes devices with sensors, processing ability, software and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communication networks. The IoT encompasse ...
(IoT),
blockchain The blockchain is a distributed ledger with growing lists of Record (computer science), records (''blocks'') that are securely linked together via Cryptographic hash function, cryptographic hashes. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of th ...
,
robotics Robotics is the interdisciplinary study and practice of the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. Within mechanical engineering, robotics is the design and construction of the physical structures of robots, while in computer s ...
,
big data Big data primarily refers to data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data processing, data-processing application software, software. Data with many entries (rows) offer greater statistical power, while data with ...
,
medical scribe A medical scribe is an allied health paraprofessional who specializes in charting physician-patient encounters in real time, such as during medical examinations. They also locate information and patients for physicians and complete forms needed ...
, and
cyber security Computer security (also cybersecurity, digital security, or information technology (IT) security) is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It consists of the protection of computer software, systems and networks from thr ...
to government employees, educational institution teachers, entrepreneurs, and IT professionals. BCC has partnered with esteemed organizations such as
Coursera Coursera Inc. () is an American global massive open online course provider. It was founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. Coursera works with universities and other organizations to offe ...
, Facebook, and the
National University of Singapore The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a national university, national Public university, public research university in Singapore. It was officially established in 1980 by the merging of the University of Singapore and Nanyang University ...
to enrich the training landscape in the country. Moreover, this organization has set up an assessment and certification platform to foster skilled manpower development and further fuel the growth of the IT industry in Bangladesh.


Infrastructure development

The Bangladesh Computer Council has been actively involved in the development of ICT infrastructure in Bangladesh to realize the Digital Bangladesh vision. Their projects have been instrumental in the implementation of Digital Bangladesh. One of their most significant contributions is the expansion of the ICT Tower (formally known as the BCC Tower) to accommodate various important institutions related to ICT. The building has been transformed into a "Center of Excellence" for all ICT-related government work. The organization established Union Information and Service Centers (UISCs) through solar power in various unions without electricity, which were later renamed Union Digital Centers (UDCs). They have also established Digital Centers like UISC at various offices in different upazilas across the country. This organization has set up computer labs and smart classrooms in different educational institutions. They have also established cybercenters at various universities and colleges. Moreover, BCC has set up the National Data Center (Tier III), providing uninterrupted services to various government offices. The Disaster Recovery Center located in
Jessore Jessore (, ), officially Jashore, is a city of Jessore District in Khulna Division. It lies in southwestern Bangladesh. It is home to the first flight training school of the Bangladeshi Air Force, established in 1971. Jessore city consists of 9 wa ...
has been established, along with the 7th largest National Data Center (Tier-IV) Center in the world at Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City, Kaliakair, Gazpur. BCC has established a nationwide government network connectivity backbone under different projects, providing high-speed internet connections through optical fiber cable and the latest technology in video conferencing in several government offices across the country. Apart from this, the organization has set up Agricultural Information and Communication Centers and Telemedicine Centers. They have also established WiFi networks in the Bangladesh Secretariat and ICT Tower and
virtual private network Virtual private network (VPN) is a network architecture for virtually extending a private network (i.e. any computer network which is not the public Internet) across one or multiple other networks which are either untrusted (as they are not con ...
(VPN) connectivity in the Bangladesh Police. At present, the process of providing connectivity to the unions in remote areas is underway under the ''Connected Bangladesh'' project. BCC has connected India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh by optical fiber cable to increase data exchange capacity. This organization has set up a 50-meter-high self-supported tower under the project entitled ‘''Digital Island Moheskhali''’ to introduce high-speed internet service. They have also set up an IP camera-based surveillance system to make Sylhet a "''Safe City''" under the "Digital Sylhet City" project. BCC has an idea fab lab, a specialized network lab, a software and hardware quality testing lab, a digital forensic lab, a cyber range, and a cyber defense training center. These labs are facilitated with world-class, advanced devices and technology. In addition, this organization has deployed cyber-sensor technology on various critical information infrastructures.


Standards development

As information technology continues to advance, it is crucial to establish standards that can enhance the accessibility of the Bengali language in the field of information technology, ensuring its ease of use for everyone. The responsibility of promulgating these standards lies with the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), while the task of technical drafting and declaration is carried out by the BCC. The organization has already developed several standards and simultaneously modernized the existing ones. Bangladesh Standards are: * Bangladesh Standard Specification for Bangla Coded Character Set for Information Interchange (Third Revision) (''BDS 1520:2018''): It defines the character encoding scheme for the Bangla script, facilitating information exchange and compatibility across various computer systems and applications in Bangladesh. This specification ensures seamless communication and data sharing, promotes the development of localized software and content in the Bengali language, and ultimately enhances accessibility and inclusivity for the Bengali-speaking population in the digital realm. * Bangladesh Standard Specification for Computer Bangla Keyboard (First Revision) (''BDS 1738:2018''): This standard outlines the standardized requirements for keyboards specifically designed to input the Bengali script into computer systems. Introduced in 2018, this standard ensures uniformity and compatibility among computer Bengali keyboards, facilitating efficient and accurate typing of Bengali characters. BDS 1738 defines the layout, key arrangement, and functional characteristics of the keyboard, ensuring it meets the needs and preferences of Bangla language users in Bangladesh. * Bangladesh Standard Codes for Information Interchange or BSCII (''BDS 1934:2018''): To ensure compatibility and consistency in data exchange across various computer systems and applications within the country, there is a need for a national standard for ASCII-based Bengali character and symbol coding. The Bangladesh Computer Council has addressed this need by drafting the Bangladesh Standard Code for Information Interchange (BSCII). This code was created by reviewing popular Bengali language software based on ASCII in Bangladesh, and it includes a total of 210 Bengali letters, symbols, and compound letters. Its purpose is to define the character encoding system used for the interchange of information. Due to lack of coherence and synergy between vendors and technologists, these standards were largely never widely accepted nor recognized by international bodies. Later, versions of standards such as BSCII in essence rubber stamped
Unicode Unicode or ''The Unicode Standard'' or TUS is a character encoding standard maintained by the Unicode Consortium designed to support the use of text in all of the world's writing systems that can be digitized. Version 16.0 defines 154,998 Char ...
encoding scheme. An official order to mandatorily install a keyboard layout package kit in 2018 spawned furor over multiple fronts.


Notable events


National Children and Youth Programming Contest 2018

The BCC organized the 'National Children and Youth Programming Contest 2018' to nurture the interest of children and adolescents in information technology education. Students from different schools across the nation participated in this competition, which concluded with an award ceremony at the BCC auditorium on .


National Collegiate Programming Competition (NCPC) 2020

On February 22, 2020, the National Collegiate Programming Competition (NCPC) organized by the BCC was held at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Teams from different public and private universities took part in the event.


National ICT Competition 2020 for Persons with Disabilities

The BCC held the National ICT Competition for Youth with Disabilities on November 21, 2020, with different contestants from various regions. The competition was held at regional offices, including the head office in Dhaka.


iDEATHON

The BCC and South Korea organized the 'iDEATHON' contest to promote startup entrepreneurs in Bangladesh in 2020. The top 5 startups were awarded prestigious titles, and 10 entrepreneurs from the winning startups received a 6-month training program in South Korea, enhancing their expertise and capabilities. The competition aimed to advance the country's startup ecosystem.


Bangabandhu Innovation Grant 2021

The iDEA project under the BCC organized the 'Bangabandhu Innovation Grant-2021' to encourage young entrepreneurs and startups in honor of the Golden Jubilee of Independence and Mujib Year. Startups and innovators from different countries, including Bangladesh, participated in the event. The winning startup is awarded a grant of USD 100,000.


Sheikh Russel Day 2021

On the auspicious occasion of 'Sheikh Russell Day 2021,' the Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina Sheikh Hasina (''née'' Wazed; born 28 September 1947) is a Bangladeshi politician who served as the tenth prime minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001 and again from January 2009 to August 2024. Premiership of Sheikh Hasina, Her ...
inaugurated a distribution program for 600 laptops to 600 disabled persons trained in ICT by the "Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) including NDD through ICT" project under the BCC.


Bangladesh Robot Olympiad 2021

The fourth Bangladesh Robot Olympiad 2021 was organized in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Division,
Dhaka University The University of Dhaka (), also known as Dhaka University (DU), is a public research university located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1921, it is the oldest active university in the country. The University of Dhaka was founded in 1921 ...
’s Department of Robotics and Mechanical Engineering, the Bangladesh Open Source Network, and the Bangladesh Computer Council.


International Blockchain Olympiad 2021

The International Blockchain Olympiad (IBCOL) 2021, organized by the ICT Division of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Computer Council, Blockchain Olympiad Bangladesh, and Technohaven Company Limited, took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on October 8–10, 2021, coinciding with Bangladesh's Golden Jubilee of Independence.


Global IT Challenge 2021 for Youth with Disabilities

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh actively participated in the Global IT Challenge 2021 for Youth with Disabilities. The event, held online from South Korea, witnessed outstanding performances from four contestants representing Bangladesh, who were recognized with four prizes, including the esteemed Best Award (1st place).


Artificial Intelligence for Bangla’ Competition 2021

The Artificial Intelligence for Bangla’ Competition 2021 aimed to encourage university students, researchers, and developers to explore the Bengali language and technology. The competition sparked enthusiasm and increased interest in working with Bengali language-related AI and information technology.


National High School Programming Competition 2021

The National High School Programming Competition (NHSPC), organized by the BCC in 2021, encourages 6th–12th grade students in high schools, colleges, and madrasas to explore computer programming. The aim is to increase computer programming's popularity among young students.


National Girls Programming Competition (NGPC) 2021

The 5th National Girls Programming Competition 2021 is jointly organized by the ICT Division, the Bangladesh Computer Council, and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Daffodil International University. Female students from various universities across the country participated in this competition.


45th Annual International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals

The 45th Annual
International Collegiate Programming Contest The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is an annual multi-tiered competitive programming competition among the universities of the world. Directed by ICPC Executive Director and Baylor Professor William B. Poucher, the ICPC oper ...
World Finals took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 6 to November 11, 2022. The event was organized in partnership with the ICT Division of Bangladesh, the ICPC Foundation, the Bangladesh Computer Council, and the
University of Asia Pacific University of Asia Pacific (), often abbreviated UAP, is a private university located at Dhaka Dhaka ( or ; , ), List of renamed places in Bangladesh, formerly known as Dacca, is the capital city, capital and list of cities and towns in Ba ...
.


National High School Programming Contest 2022

To motivate the students more in ICT and programming and to help them test their programming skills at a national level, the ICT Division of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Computer Council are jointly organizing the National High School Programming Contest 2022 with the slogan ‘জানুক সবাই দেখাও তুমি’.


Awards


WITSA award

The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of the BCC was runner-up in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) category of the 2020 WITSA Global ICT Excellence Awards.


WSIS Winner Prize 2020

In 2020, th
e-recruitment platform
of BCC received this award under the e-Employment category at the 9th annual WSIS Winner Prizes for Recruitment Process Management as a Shared Service for Government Agencies of Bangladesh.


WSIS Winner Prizes 2019

In 2019, BCC won the ''WSIS Winner Prizes'' for the ''Establishment of Bangladesh National Digital Architecture (BNDA) and e-government Interoperability Framework (e-GIF).''


WSIS Champion Prize 2019

In 2019, BCC received the ''WSIS Champion Prize'' for the ''Development of National ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government (Info-Sarker) Project''.


ASOCIO 2018 Digital Government Award

The ''Info-Sarker Phase 3'' project of the BCC has been recognized with the esteemed ICT sector award ''ASOCIO 2018 Digital Government Award'' by the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO).


E-Asia 2017 Award

During the Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business Summit 2017, the BCC's ''Info-Sarker Phase 3'' initiative also won the ''E-Asia 2017 Award''.


DCD APAC Award 2019

The ''4-Tier National Data Center (4TDC) Project'' of the BCC was awarded the ''DCD APAC Award 2019'' in the Data Center Construction Category.


Open Group President Awards 2018

The Bangladesh Computer Council received the Open Group President Awards 2018''' in the category of innovation for their work in developing the ''Bangladesh National Enterprise Architecture'' (BNEA) and ''e-government Interoperability Framework'' (e-GIF). This achievement was recognized for its contribution to making government information and services interoperable, ultimately supporting the goal of establishing a "Digital Bangladesh" by the year 2021.


Open Group President Awards 2019

The Bangladesh Computer Council has been awarded "The Open Group President's Award" in the category of "Architecture Enabled Government Transformation" for the e-recruitment system in 2019.


Public Administration Award 2017

The Hon'ble Prime Minister presented the Public Administration Award 2017 to the Bangladesh Computer Council in recognition of their significant contribution to public service.


References

{{reflist Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Information and Communication Technology Division Government agencies of Bangladesh Organisations based in Dhaka Information technology in Bangladesh Information technology Standards organisations in Bangladesh Bengali-language computing