A total of 52 contestants participated in four categories, where contestants acquiring the first three positions under each category were selected as winners. The categories were Visual Impairment, Physical Impairment, Speech and Hearing Impairment and Neurological and Development Disabilities (Autistic or Autism). All the contestants participated in the competition and were tested for their skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Internet. The winners received BDT 40,000, 30,000 and 20,000 respectively. Certificates and crests were awarded as well, and the winners will get the opportunity to attend the world IT competition in China this year. The government will coordinate the team for the upcoming gala event.
The first four winners are Saiful Islam in the Visual Impairment category, Kazi Nusrat Synthia in the Physical Impairment category, Md. Arman Kamal in the Speech and Hearing Impairment category and Rafid Ahsan in the Neurological and Development Disabilities category.
Dr Khan Md Anwarus Salam, Assistant Professor, CSE, UAP was one of the judges. “Their capabilities were really praiseworthy,” he said.
Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), Center for Services and Information on Disability and UAP jointly organised the contest.
Based on merits, all the participants will also get the opportunity to participate in higher courses with no fees, in affiliation with with Bangladesh Computer Council. They will also be offered to participate in any job fair of ICT Division and Bangladesh Computer Council.
Junaid Ahmed Palak MP, State Minister, Information and Communication Technology Division handed out the prizes as the Chief Guest of the ceremony.
Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, UAP, chaired the program. Md Harunur Rashid, Additional Secretary, ICT Division, Khandakar Zohurul Alam, Executive Director, CSID, Dr Pran Gopal Datta, Vice Chairman, Suchona Foundation, S M Ashraful Islam, Executive Director, Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) were present.
Earlier, Sham Sundar Sikdar, Secretary, ICT Division inaugurated the contest. Qayum Reza Chowdhury, Chairman, Board of Trustees, UAP chaired the inaugural session while Professor M. R. Kabir, Pro Vice Chancellor, UAP and Dr. Mazharul Mannan, General Secretary, Suchona Foundation were present as guests.