GP CIC: Supporting and Scaling up of GP CICs
BIID is engaged in supporting GP with their GP Community Information Center; to replicate and expand the existing number of CIC's across the country from 500 to over 1000. BIID is also engaged in the process to build the capacity of the CIC entrepreneurs to provide better services and facilities to the customers thereby adding value to the user experience of the customers.
e-Krishok: Agricultural Services for Rural Farmers
BIID's agricultural service for rural farmers, e-Krishok, is a campaign which is aimed at farmers with the desired goal of providing services from which farmers will benefit both in terms of their farming activities and opening up opportunities in new avenues which will ultimately translate into increased income for farmers. Farmers with any problem or query or issue which is related to agriculture can go to their local GP Community Information Center and receive the information that they are seeking. The information will be provided to them in a timely and quick manner, so that the farmers can get on with their activities. With such timely and appropriate information, farmers will be able to maximize their economic gain; enabling them to achieve income growth through agricultural activities.
Shikor: Online Market Linkage
The SME portal is basically a market linkage mechanism whereby small and medium producers and buyers can get in touch with each other for mutual benefit. The web portal can be accessed through http://www.sme.com.bd. Through this market linkage mechanism, SME's will be able to increase trade and reduce their costs. Other components of the SME portal is information sharing and market awareness building for the SME's.
Travel Line: Providing Information and Solutions to travelers
Travel Line is a service which will provide tourism related information to potential tourists. Whenever a potential tourist wants information about a particular place in Bangladesh-such as what hotels are available, what the transport options are, what are the costs, how to get there, etc., that person can get in touch with Travel Line for the information, and they will be able to get the information conveniently.
e-Complain: Providing a Platform to Promote Rights Based Activities
BIID has introduced an ICT enabled web based consumer rights advocacy portal and online complaint handling mechanism, http://www.complain.com.bd. This unique web portal will allow the consumers a distinct platform and opportunity to be vocal about their rights, concerns and issues. Simultaneously the purpose is also to raise awareness, educate and empower the consumer on consumer rights and the legal protection afforded to them under the newly promulgated `Consumer Protection Act 2008'.
Batighar: A business model for sustainable telecenters
After successful piloting phase, BIID has introduced the Batighar business model for scaling up in all over the country. Batighar, the name derived from the English word "lighthouse", is meant to show people correct direction. Recently, BIID and Pacific Telecom Ltd., only CDMA operator in Bangladesh has signed agreement to establish 500 Batighar centres all over the country by 2011 and 5000 centres by 2015. This particular business model can be distinctively characterized as a structured commercial model for for-profit telecenter ventures, which, are undertaken by entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. It can also be termed as "entrepreneurship model".
District Resource Center: Developing Local Support Services for Telecenters
BIID is the designated District Resource Center(DRC) for Dhaka district.A DRC is a district coordinating body located in a district headquarter, which is to be designed as a hub for promoting activities surrounding building information and knowledge system for all citizens. DRCs are conceptualized as independent institutions to be affiliated with the BTN. DRC is the official institution to promote and support entrepreneurs and institutions in establishment and operation of telecenters and other type of public access to information and knowledge through ICTs. To ensure sustainability and quality of services, DRC's will charge nominal fees for its diversified services.
