A name that became a milestone in the development of technology and digital transformation in Bangladesh—Pipilika. It is the first Bengali language-based search engine in the country, developed by a team of talented youth from Bangladesh. A team from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet created this search engine, setting a landmark for the domestic technology sector.
What was the ploy?
Pipilika is a full-fledged search engine, which allowed users to search internet information in both Bangla and English. But its biggest feature was the special facility to search for Bangla content. While search engines like Google were missing or weak in the Bengali language, Pipilika provided local relevant information quickly and accurately right there.
Who created the search engine?
The students and teachers of the Computer Science and Engineering Department of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) were the main architects of the project. Their research was based on the following:
- Teacher: Hon. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury (pioneer inspiration)
- Technical Team: Some of the most energetic students of the CSE department
The cooperatives:
- Grameenphone (Technical Support and Infrastructure)
- The Daily Star (sources and news-based data)
This search engine was first launched in March 2013. In a very short time, it gained popularity among students, journalists, and ordinary users.
What were the features?
Peeplica was not just a simple search engine, but it could show search results based on different categories. Its salient features are
A department-based search:
- news
- Blog
- Wikipedia
- Government documents
- The general website
Priority for the English Language:
Bangla content is arranged with utmost importance so that users can easily find content written in Bangla.
Fast and reliable search:
Only relevant results will be displayed by filtering unnecessary links or spam.
Made with low-cost technology:
It was completely handmade by indigenous programmers and worked very efficiently like a global search engine.
What is the contribution of the PPLICA?
Pipilika is not only a search engine but also a pioneer in the digital transformation of Bangladesh. This initiative proved that the youth of Bangladesh are capable of producing technology of international standards.
Special contributions include:
- Leading role in the digital expansion of the Bengali language
- Access to local content
- It serves as a platform for developing an information society.
Pipilika’s launch inspired many young techies to start their own ventures.
Why was the pipeline shut down?
After 2018, the effectiveness of Pipilika gradually began to decline. The most recenThe most recent data indicates that it will cease to function after 2020.ease to function after 2020. It was shut down mainly due to:
- Lack of technical infrastructure
- A funding crisis
- Maintenance issues
But many technology analysts believe that if it had received state or corporate support, it cIt would have become a South Asian power like Goo.gle or Baidu.
The Importance of Pipilika in Today’s Context
At present, Bangladesh is moving from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh. Domestic search engines are more important than ever amid the reliance on platforms like Google, YouTube, and TikTok.
Google’s functionThe ability to search for information in Bengali remains limited. If a search engine like Peeplika existed today, the freedm of information and content would be significantly greater.
Thinking of the future
At present, there is a new opportunity to create smart search engines through AI and machine learning technology. The technocrats and the government should revive initiatives like Pipiliqa.
A native search engine can be a symbol of not only technology but also information security, language preservation, and digital achievement.
The conclusion
Pipilika is a proud name in the history of Bangladesh. It has shown how woIndigenous talent can create world-class technology.lthough it is not there today, it has proved Bangladesh can.
We are hopeful that in the future, once again a young team will create a better search engine with love for the native language. And then perhaps we will say,
“Pipilika was the beginning; now the explosion has come!”
