”Digital World 2012′’ was organized to brought the nation under one umbrella. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity for showcasing projects, programs and initiatives of government and private sector agencies/corporations, as also for demonstrating innovative ICT products, solutions and applications for various domains covered under the scope of the event.

Digital World 2012 was inaugurated by the Chief Guest of the Opening Ceremony, Begum Matia Chowdhury, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh on 6th December 2012. The core focus areas centered on the Growing Regional Business Opportunities, Role of the IT Industry in Sustainable Development, Influence of Mobility to Expand, and Banking with Technology in Bangladesh and emerging need for social media in the business contexts.

Digital World 2012 acknowledged, recognized and awarded the contributions and innovations of delivering public service to citizens in the gorgeous Award Night on 6th December, 12.This Innovation

Award 2012 was presented by Access to Information (A2I-II) Programme, Prime Minister’s Office. 46 persons were awarded in 11 categories in this Award Night Ceremony.

Chief People Officer, GPIT, Syeda Yasmin Rahman, was a panel speaker in the session named “Take Back the Tech: Empowering Women through ICT”.  Chief Commercial Officer, Rony Riad Rashid, was a panel speaker at “State of Cloud Computing” Seminar. And Jahrat Adib, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs was a key note speaker in a session called “Protecting Intellectual Property in Digital World”. Altogether the event marked 28 sessions including seminar, workshop, roundtable, debate, etc with the participation of hundreds of international & national speakers. GPIT Commercial and Legal & Corporate Affairs team engaged their stakeholders in these events with active participation.

 Around 140 exhibitors showcased their services while the young talents of the country displayed their innovations in the Experience lounge. During this event, GPIT showcased its current products and solutions through a mini pavilion. Several international and National speakers, expert will shared their expertise, experience with the participants.  Thematic Conferences, Gala Night, Business Matchmaking Program, Meet the Visionaries were some of the Major attractions of the Digital World 2012.

Digital Entrepreneurship conference had two separate sessions where the potential, prospect, opportunities and challenges of digital initiatives were discussed by national and international specialists. A daylong event, Freelancer conference, for the national & international freelancers was held in the event to popularize and to make effective use of the immense potential of the freelancing sector.

Digital world 2012 came to an end with a stunning Closing Ceremony on 8 December, 2012. Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Mr. Mostafa Faruque Mohammad, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology declared about the coming Digital World of 2013 in the ceremony.

The conference as a whole provided a unique opportunity for national and global stakeholders to come together and exchange ideas and solutions focused on the key element of all technological advancement.

Grameenphone IT (GPIT) & SUMMIT Communication had inked an agreement of contract on “Supply & Test operation of Gateway Billing & Mediation solution”. Under the agreement, Grameenphone IT (GPIT) will provide home build Gateway Billing & Mediation solution for SUMMIT communication for its Gateway operation. This project consists of Solution Customization, Configuration, Installation and Test run till six (06) billing cycles including Hardware & storage solution delivery. This solution will manage the total revenue production for SUMMIT’s Telecom Gateway business of ICX operation under the regulation of BTRC.

Arif Al Islam, CEO & Managing Director, Fadiah Khan Director from Summit Communication and Raihan Shamsi, CEO, Rony Riad Rashid, CCO from GPIT alongside other members of the companies were present at this ceremony.

Mr. Raihan Shamsi spoke of GPIT’s quality assurance and customer satisfaction as a CMMI L3 company and thanked SUMMIT management for choosing GPIT for this project as a solution provider. Meanwhile Mr. Arif Al Islam expressed his interest to expand the joint business venture with GPIT and indicated some very progressive Tech savvy IT business areas where SUMMIT & GPIT can move jointly.

GPIT look forward to build on long term commitment and relation with Summit Communication with this commemorative.

In this unprecedented gathering of GPIT, GP, Huwaei and Ericsson, GPIT won the match and put on the crown of glory. It was a day long Football Match where all four matches held on the same day. The first match was held between Ericsson and GPIT and there was a tie in the match then GPIT won the match by penalty shoot. The second match was between GP and Huwaei where GP won by 2-0 scores. Thus GP and GPIT got the opportunity to play the final round of the match. There was another third match between Huwaei and Ericsson for selecting the 3^rd winner, and Ericsson won the match. Finally the time arrived when, GP GPIT played the final match and GPIT won the Partner’s Cup 2012 by 2-1.

This story will be incomplete if we do not mention and thank our football team. Our heartiest congratulations and best wishes are with the Team for their participation and tremendous efforts.

Truly, GPIT has played like Champions and celebrated the Victory!

What is ISACA?

ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) is a worldwide association of IS governance professionals. The association currently focuses on assurance, security, and governance and provides globally recognized certification in assurance (Certified Information Systems Auditor), security (Certified Information Security Manager), and governance (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT) and CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control).

Aim of ISACA:

ISACA Dhaka Chapter started its journey in 2009 by few IS Auditors. The aim of the Chapter is to support local Information System Auditor to develop IS Auditing skill through seminars, workshops and regular chapter meetings. Another aim of this chapter is to help for further promoting and elevating the visibility of the IS audit, control and security profession throughout the area.

This chapter is run by volunteers who are ISACA members nominated through ISACA Annual General Meeting (AGM). ISACA members’ participations in running the chapter are highly encouraged.

Thursday, 11 October 2012, it was that time of the year again when GP GPIT came up with the Business Customer Conference; this time, in Chittagong.  The top decision makers of the corporate and business community were invited to the event to demonstrate how the existing and upcoming solutions of GP and GPIT can be fitted in and facilitate the total value chain of their respective businesses.

The event demonstrated how modern businesses are required to change their strategies, perception, focus areas, and priorities with the challenges faced. However, it is also true that evolution of technology is bringing in new opportunities in terms of cost efficiency, automation, higher control, operational efficiencies, and increased revenue for a modern business. The conference conveyed to the audience that both Grameenphone and GPIT think about these challenges their businesses have to face every day, and that they are always coming up with new services and solutions to help them overcome these challenges in a more efficient manner in terms of cost and resources. Thus, the evening conveyed the message that both Grameenphone and GPIT are shifting their focus to becoming complete solutions partners for their valued business customers. Some of the unique benefits and features of Grameenphone and GPIT solutions were portrayed in order to describe how a business organization can be benefited by using them.

A large number of high-profile dignitaries and business leaders were present at the event, which symbolized a great degree of business customer confidence and recognition for Grameenphone and GPIT. Mr. Aameir Alihussain, Managing Director of BSRM.; Monjurul Hoque, Managing Director of N Mohammad Group; Mr. Mustafa Tahseen Arshad, Chief Executive Officer of The Peninsula Chittagong Ltd, Mr. Syed  Nazrul Islam, Deputy Managing Director of Well group Industries Ltd.; Mufakkharul Islam Khasru, Managing Director of Finlay Properties Limited.; Mr. Themiya Loku Banda Ekanayake, Chief Financial Officer of Regency Garments Ltd., Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Director of Mostafa Group of Industries, Mr. Md. Marzanur Rahman, Director of RSRM,. Mr. Benazir Chowdhury Nishan, Director & COO of Golden Containers Limited were some of them present in the evening. In addition, some prominent figures from the government bodies were also present to grace the evening.

On the occasion, Raihan Shamsi , CEO of Grameenphone IT said, “Grameenphone and GPIT have come together to help these different business organizations understand the evolving world of communication, and facilitate them with new, enhanced business solutions that will enable their businesses generate higher revenues and efficiency level, and be more cost-effective.”

Tor Harald Stromsnes, Head of Direct Sales Grameenphone said, “Both Grameenphone and GPIT are shifting focus and concentration to the overall value chain of their clients and are working towards finding complete solutions using its comprehensive knowledge and expertise and to make a difference for the future of Bangladesh with its strong young workforce.”

Mr. Nurul Ferdous Musanna, Head of Business Sales Regions, Grameenphone; and Mr. Rajib Khan, Head of Key Corporate Accounts, Grameenphone conducted the conference through an exciting dialogue session while demonstrating the features of their Solutions in a highly innovative, interesting, and professional manner. The service & solutions demonstrated during the event included the Vehicle Tracking System, Mobile Reporting, Team Tracker, Business Tune, Business SMS and the recently introduced mCentrex from Grameenphone. On the other hand; ERP, Business Intelligence, DC/DR, and Contact Center were the highlighted Solutions introduced by GPIT.

The glorious event was concluded by a vote of thanks from Sharjeel Islam, Head of Marketing, Grameenphone IT Ltd. Afterwards, the MC invited the honorable guests to visit the experience booths outside to have further details about the solutions discussed during the event. This was followed by live music performed by renowned band group”Souls”.

Mr. Tapan Kanti Sarkar, President, CTO Forum Bangladesh presented the opening speech and briefly explained the vision, objective and the necessity of the forum. He addressed that even though the journey of the CTO Forum Bangladesh started about couple of years back and finally it is going to commence its mission on 6th October 2012 officially. CTO Forum Bangladesh is heading towards building an ICT Community to intensify bridge among all professionals working in this sector. CTO Forum Bangladesh is committed to organize meetings, discussions, workshops, seminars, symposiums and conferences for sharing experience and knowledge among professionals, scholars and policymakers.

Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Information attended the event as Chief Guest and expresses his support to the CTO Forum Bangladesh and briefly discussed the need of the forum.  Mr. Mostafa Faruque Mohammed, MP, the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of ICT was the Special Guest in the occasion to express his heartiest thanks to all the founding member of the forum.

Moreover, Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, the Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of ICT attended the event as the Guest of Honor. He expressed his thought and ideas and was highly positive toward making huge contribution to achieve the Digital Bangladesh.

Mr. Raihan Shamsi, CEO of GPIT, expressed his thoughts for the success of CTO forum Bangladesh. He mentioned that GPIT is proud to be associated with this forum and interested to work with CTO forum Bangladesh for the technology growth of the country.

Towards the end, there was a cultural event performed by the prominent singers of Bangladesh and dinner session at the end of the event.

1. Mediation Solution
2. Billing Solution
3. Revenue Assurance & Fraud Management solution
4. IT infrastructure
5. DC & DR

ICX are the exchange gateway for inter-operator Calls & IGW are the gateway for International calls. Mediation & Billing solution is a very basic operational requirement for ICX & IGW operators to ensure their revenue and daily book of service transaction.

GPIT has developed this Solution product line with world class quality & norms that are guided by CMMIL3, ISO 27001 and ISO 2000.

A showcase event was held for “End2End Solution for ICX/IGW” on 27September, 2012 at The Westin Dhaka; selected guests were present from several existing and upcoming ICX, IGW operators including CEO, CTO, Investors and Technology people. The event started off with a welcome speech of Rony Riad Rashid, Chief Commercial Officer, GPIT, briefly defining the solutions to the audiences. Just after the glimpse of GPIT, in the form of AV, was shown Muhibur Rahman Khandaker, General Manger, Communication System Mgt, Operations shared the technical presentation on the solutions. A small Question & Answer session was arranged for better clarity and interactivity among the audiences. The event ended with a note of thanks by Rumesa Husain, Head of Telco Sales. Dinner followed GPIT corporate token handover to the audiences finally ended the event.

With regard to interactivity, participation and overall presentation the entire event was highly successful. The appreciation from the guests also pointed out that the whole event was well received and well accepted by the targeted audiences.

Press Conference for announcing the Inauguration of CTO Forum Bangladesh was held on 29^th September 2012 at a local city hotel, Dhaka. Mr. Tapan Kanti Sarkar, President, CTO Forum Bangladesh briefly explained the necessity of the forum. He addressed that the journey of the CTO Forum Bangladesh started about couple of years back and finally it is going to commence its mission on 6^th October 2012.

CTO Forum Bangladesh is heading towards building an ICT Community to intensify bridge among all professionals working in this sector. CTO Forum Bangladesh is committed to organize meetings, discussions, workshops, seminars, symposiums and conferences for sharing experience and knowledge among professionals, scholars and policymakers.  He also explained the Objectives and Mission of the forum.

Mr. Wasi Noman, CTO of GPIT, sponsor of the inauguration program expressed his wish for the success of CTO forum Bangladesh.

The press conference was also attended by Mr. Nawed Iqbal, Vice President, Mr. Syed Masodul Bari, Secretary General, Mr. Debdulal Roy, Joint Secretary General, Mr. Tarique Mosaddique Barkatullah, Joint Secretary General, Mr. Ijazul Haque, Treasurer, Mr. Md. Sahid Hossain, Mr. Md. Atiqur Rahman, Mr. Hasan Tanvir and Mr. Mohammad Samdad Tanveer, EC Members of CTO Forum Bangladesh. Representatives from different electronic and print media were also present in the occasion.

The initiative was to collect donations for Iftaar, Zakat and Quran khatom. The donations were collected through a SMS portal, deducted from salaries of the participating GPIT employees.

One of these initiatives was an Iftaar at BERDO (Blind Education Rehabilitation Development Organization) with a team of GPIT employees, along with the members of the management team, at Mirpur, on Wednesday, 8^th August, 2012.

Formed on July, 1991, BERDO empowers disabled people with programs like income generation, leadership development, education training, treatment facilities, and to increase public awareness regarding disability.

The Executive Director of BERDO, Saidul Huq, was very informative in terms of the history of BERDO and what is being done for the visually impaired in Bangladesh.  With 40 visually impaired residents and support staff, BERDO were a gracious host, helping GPIT with a tour of their facilities.

The second GPIT initiative was an Iftaar arranged at the Ahsan Ulum Madrasa and Etim Khana beside Dhaka Polytechnic Institute in Tejgaon on Saturday, 11^th August, 2012.

Housing 55 orphans, mainly children, sharing a very small space with almost no furniture, the children were ecstatic to have this many guests for Iftaar.

GPIT organized these initiatives as an example of how small acts of kindness and giving can bring happiness to a number of the underprivileged.

Nurturing novelty is something that GPIT never neglects; rather it always promotes changes and innovations. Imagine Cup is such an event that showcases the dreams, ideas, and creative energy of young leaders in technology and gives them exposure, resources, and connections and a chance to focus on their passion and make it a reality for a Better Tomorrow. They inspire the Youth of Today to “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems”

In this respect, On the 3^rd July, 2012 GPIT participated in the press Conference held at AIUB for introducing and congratulating the team ‘Engine’ for winning the national competition and representing Bangladesh in the Imagine Cup Technology Competition, Sydney, Australia.  Their project is “Annapurna”, the agro-based GIS software maps out agro-ecological zones using soil, seed and fertilizer data, and provides farmers with information specific to their location. This kind of IT based software will be beneficial not only in Bangladesh but also to Sub-Saharan African and South-East Asian region. This will play a vital role on poverty alleviation.

GPIT sponsored air tickets for the Team Engine to fly to Australia to participate in this great opportunity. Also GPIT appreciated the team’s effort and encouraged everyone to vote for “Annapurna” project. For which Bangladesh team “Engine” is now ranked at 4th position in all over the world in People’s Choice category. The voting will continue till 9 PM, 9 July, 2012

The voting link is :                        

http://savehumanity.tk/