DHAKA, Oct 8, 2021 (BSS) - The three-day 'International Blockchain Olympiad

(IBCOL) 2021' began today in the city with the theme "Inspiring Empowerment
and Innovation".

   Planning Minister MA Mannan inaugurated the event as the chief guest at a
function at the BCC auditorium of ICT Tower in the city, said a press
release.

   State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak attended the program as
the special guest while Additional Secretary of ICT Division Dr Khandoker
Azizul Islam, President of Hong Kong Blockchain Society Dr Lawrence Ma, CEO
of the Global Blockchain Business Council Sandra Ro and Convener of the
BCOLBD and Distinguished Professor of CSE of BRAC University Dr Mohammad
Kaykobad, among others, attended the function.

   The event is being jointly organized by the ICT Division of Bangladesh,
Bangladesh Computer Council, Blockchain Olympiad Bangladesh and Technohaven
Company Limited.

   In his speech, MA Mannan said for the young generation need to engage
themselves in hard work as well as doing research, going out and taking risks
etc.

  Finally, he thanked all the participants and organisers of the
international event.

  Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, "We are proud and really happy to host such an
international contest in Bangladesh."

   He informed that the 12 winning teams of "Blockchain Olympiad Bangladesh
2021" are participating in the international stage of the event.

   Palak said "The young minds are the torchbearers of future progress. I
believe that more university students will take part in the 2022
International Blockchain Olympiad."

   Dr Lawrence Ma said it was very difficult to organise such an
international event in the Covid situation this year.

   "Bangladesh has been able to do this job so successfully, which is really
commendable," he added.

      Students from all over the world are participating in this global contest
to become winners. Prizes figuring more than US$40,000 have been awarded to
the winners.

   A total of 12 countries are participating in this global competition:
China, Hongkong, Vietnam, Philippines, UAE, Iran, Indonesia, Netherland,
Nepal, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the participating countries
with 50 teams in total. To know in details anyone can visit the following
link- https://ibcol2021.com/.

  The 3-day Olympiad will run until Sunday, October 10, 2021. This year,
besides other events, a total of 4 seminars are being organized. Seminars
with programs will be open to all participants and visitors from around the
world at IBCOL's website https://ibcol2021.com.