History of First Computer Installations in Dhaka

In 1964, the US government sent an IBM Mainframes: 1620 computer as a goodwill gift to the then Pakistan. However, no one in West Pakistan had any idea about computers. After searching, a person named Hanifuddin Mia was found in East Pakistan (Bangladesh), who was studying at Dhaka University. He stood first class first with a gold medal in 1952 in Applied Mathematics.

In addition to mathematics, he had a strong interest in computers. In 1960, he gained training in Analog and Digital Computer Programming from the Institute of Information Theory and Automation in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. In 1964, he also completed training in systems analysis, numerical mathematics, and advanced computer programming from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computer Center in the United States. Later in 1975, he took training on operating systems and system programming from the IBM Research Center in London.

When Mr. Hanifuddin Mia was asked to go to Lahore to operate this computer, but he refused to leave Dhaka. And then this computer was transferred to the Atomic Energy Commission in Dhaka. Thus, the path of the first computer in this country began at the hands of honored Bangladeshi Mr. Hanif.

And thus the Computers came to Pakistan in 1964 when the Atomic Energy Comission installed a scientific digital computer IBM 1620 at its centre in Dhaka, East Pakistan. The Commission carries out its research work and scien tific calculations this computer. Dhaka University and other interested on organisations have easy access to it.

The West Pakistan University of Engineering & Technology also recently installed an analogue computer an IEM 1401 system was installed by Pakistan International Airlines in 1965. PIA has by now computerised much of its routine work payroll accounting, inventory control, finance accounting and budgeting, sales and flight statistics, store accounting etc.

Leading banks in Pakistan have started using computers to reconcile inter branch transactions, prepare payroll, and management statistics and maintain up to-date accounts balances. Banks also render computer service to their clients. Two banks have ICL 1900 series while four others have gone in for IBM 1401 and 360 systems.

The West Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority has installed a third generation computer IBM 360 model 30 for carrying out engineering research and electricity billing. The Central Statistical Office is also getting an IBM 360 model 30 which will be used for compiling national statistical data. Realising the importance of electronic data-processing the Government has appointed a high-powered committee to recommend ways to introduce automation in Government officers.