International telecom exposition begins

A two-day international exposition on voice and data carrier businesses began in the capital yesterday to help share ideas on new concepts, innovations and opportunities in the fast-growing telecommunications industry.
The "South Asian Carriers Meet" exposition is the first of its kind in this region for telecom carriers, interconnect exchange, sub-sea and terrestrial cable operators, and data service providers.
About 285 delegates from 22 countries, including the UK, the USA, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UAE, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh, are taking part in the event.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Shahara Khatun inaugurated the event at a city hotel.
With a population of 160 million, Bangladesh is a major source of migrant labour forces around the world, making the country the fourth largest emerging telecoms market with rising demand for voice, data related products and services.
Speaking at the event, Sunil Kanti Bose, chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, said the event would offer opportunities for exchanging ideas, exploring business opportunities and creating a global network.
Shahara Khatun said the government is going ahead with its plan to award licences for 3G technology.
Windmill Advertising Ltd organised the event.