The British American Tobacco (BAT) set up the small computer training centre named Dishari. The first centre of Dishai was established at Chechya in Kushtia last year.

"It is a great opportunity for me to get such a chance without any fees", Abdus Salam, a student of Balaganj College, told newsmen, some of them from Dhaka, who visited the centre on Thursday last.

Salam from Hamidpur village in Rajnagar upazila got two months' training in the first batch from May 5 to July 5 this year.

"I am now working at a private computer centre in the town and earning Tk 2000 a month by spending my leisure time after studies".

Tuslima Akhter, a student of Masters in Bangla at Moulvibazar Government Girls College, also had two months' training in the first batch. She visits the center and uses its library now. She wants to acquire further knowledge on IT after her final examination.

Trainer Moushumi Ahmed said, "I get great interest in imparting IT training to these girls and boys. They want to learn. We also stress on basic English".

September 11 was the last day for the second batch which started on July 15.

"I am really delighted to get such a facility", said Rumi Begum, first year student at Moulvibazar Government College.

They all thanked the BAT for creating this opportunity.

Seven boys and five girls were in the second batch, completed on September 11.

Dishari Officials said the third batch started from September 15.

There is also a provision for light refreshment for trainees free of cost.

Classes continue from 9 AM to 4 PM. Each student can use separate computer. Examinations are taken by a team coming form BAT, Dhaka.

The BAT launched Dishari as part of its social commitment, said Asit Kumar Das, counsellor of the centre.

"We will try to continue the programme in future since the project has good achievements".

He said three more centres would be set up in the country by 2006. The company intends to provide 500 young people with basic IT training yearly, he added.