The inaugural ceremony was held near the venue. Sabur Khan, president, Bangladesh Computer Samity, S M Iqbal, president-elect, Bangladesh Computer Samity, and Md Akhtaruzzaman Manju, president, Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh were also present.

After a quick speech by Abdul Awal Mintoo, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the chief guest delivered his speech. The minister claimed that for the last few years BCS computer-city has been 'a refreshing change' for the country. He urged the organisers and those in attendance to spread the campaign of 'IT development' as far and wide into the country as possible.

"The government will aid everyone in this campaign, to facilitate the Bangladeshi traders to grow the local market as well as the international one," he said. "I feel that a second BCS computer city should also be located at the port city of Chittagong." He also hoped that given the time and hard-work, Bangladesh would be a global player in IT community within a few years.

Ahmad Hasan, president of the executive committee 'City IT 2003', Azim Uddin Ahmed, general secretary, Mahmudur Rahman Khan, vice presedent and Ishraq Mohsen, joint secretary were also present at the ceremony.

The Fair started off from 12p.m. yesterday and will continue everyday from 10a.m 8p.m. till January 10, 2004.

Besides the attractive and innovative computer products that each shop has to offer, the organisers have also arranged seminars and debate competitions on IT related topics almost every day between 4 to 5p.m. at the fair.