Minister for Science and ICT Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan formally inaugurated the show at Bhasani Novo Theatre. French Ambassador in Bangladesh Jacques-Andre Costilhes and Japanese Ambassador Masayuki Inoue were present at the ceremony as guests of honour.

The theme of this year's show is ICT for Poverty Alleviation.

Around 100 companies, including some reputed international ICT firms, are showcasing their software, hardware, internet and other ICT products at over 85 stalls and 26 pavilions at the show, jointly organised by Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology and Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS).

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Moyeen Khan said ICT can help alleviate poverty in the country as it not only makes people aware technologically, but it also can make the society powerful economically.

"If we allocate more money in ICT sector like other sectors, we will be able to alleviate poverty from the country faster," the minister observed.

He also urged the private sector to come forward to help boost the sector as it cannot be run only by the government.

Khan M Ibrahim Hossain, secretary for the ministry of Science and ICT, Faizullah Khan, president of Bangladesh Computer Samity, and a representative of GremeenPhone also spoke at the function.

The fair will remain open until September 22 for the members of the public with an entry fee of Tk 20. djuice, a popular brand of leading cellular operator GrameenPhone is the mega sponsor of the show while the other sponsor is HP Invent and Intel.