The Bangalore-based giant, which offers software solutions, IT consulting, business process outsourcing (BPO) services, and research and development services in the areas of hardware and software design, has already contacted some IT houses in Dhaka to work jointly for its future business establishment in Bangladesh, industry sources said.

A leading Bangladeshi IT entrepreneur said a high official of Wipro has contacted him and inquired about formalities to establish a joint venture here.

He said Wipro is planning to invest around US$ 50 million in the first phase in Bangladesh.

He also said the company eyes Bangladesh's system integration and IT managed services market.

Viswanathan KS, vice-president, strategic sales, India of Wipro Infotech, recently at an international seminar in Bangalore said Bangladesh is the immediate priority for Wipro Infotech as the country holds huge opportunities.

Viswanathan said the company has already conducted a study on overseas market and found Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as the most potential markets for Wipro.

He said Wipro Infotech, whose 15 percent revenues currently comes from overseas, is stepping up efforts to make strides in other markets of Asia Pacific region as well.

Wipro has 45,835 employees as of September 30, 2005, which includes 32,856 employees in IT services business and 12,979 in the BPO business. This includes a net addition of 4,575 employees in IT services.