Kolkata, India (BBN)- The World Bank has appointed Kolkata-based Globsyn Group's founder Bikram Dasgupta as its international expert advisor to develop the IT industry of Bangladesh.

Dasgupta said on Friday the World Bank funded US$ 70 million project has been initiated to help Bangladesh address the international market for IT and ITeS services by training 34,000 people and get investors in the next three years.

"Bangladesh has over 800 software companies besides a good number of freelance professionals, particularly in graphics. The services are cheaper but companies are not aware of their quality. My job would be to make Bangladesh an IT destination," Dasgupta said, according to Indian media reports.

He would provide expert advice and strategic guidance to BCC (Bangladesh Computer Council) and local IT/ITES industry.

They were also in talks with large multinationals to set up ODCs (Offshore Development Centers) in Bangladesh.

Samsung has already opened a mobile Research and Development centre while Accenture has taken ownership of the Gramin phone business and plans forays in the IT and ITeS sectors, Dasgupta said.

BBN/SSR/AD-13June14-10:42 pm (BST)