Thread by @dsymetweets

So this testimonial means a lot to me personally, I'll explain why.

https://mobile.twitter.com/dsymetweets/status/1335131564703936512

@chaldal.com is a global company centred in Dhaka, Bangladesh. You can read more about them on their website.

I've long believed F# could have a strong role in up-tooling the software skills of developing nations, giving them a competitive advantage.

But for me, this one is also very personal.

In 1993 I had the opportunity to travel to Bangladesh, to visit my brother, who was working doing flood modelling on the internationally sponsored Flood Action Program.

This program was started after the devastating floods of 1988, which killed thousands of people. In preparation for the trip I read a lot on international development (JK Galbraith) and the specifics of Bangladesh's situation.

At the time it was widely assumed that Bangladesh would never find any path out of the devastating cycle of economic misery it was trapped in - "a basket case" was commonly said. Things were expected to get worse and worse.

In my travels to Dhaka and Syhlet I met the most wonderful people, was welcomed into homes and fed.

I also saw many very challenging things. Young and naive, it was poverty like I'd never, ever imagined.

Bengal used to be wealthy, very wealthy, until colonisation. Since 1993 the GDP of Bangladesh has grown 5x or more, a vast difference to the lives of millions

Development has, in many ways, worked. Perhaps Bangladesh will one day be wealthy again. If it is, software will be key.

For me, the thought that the language and tools I've worked on are being used to support ethical economic development in Bangladesh and elsewhere is a small resolution of those unforgettable encounters with humanity and poverty from 26 years ago.

Thank you to the folk at @chaldal.com who shared the testimonial, and best wishes in all your endeavours.