Deal signed only to steal money

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that the government has signed a deal with a Chinese company for building the Padma bridge so that it can easily steal money from the project.
“You [the government] are proudly talking about the deal with China. But why don't you sign the contract with the World Bank? Because, they [WB] will not give you a chance for stealing. Now, the government has set up the system for stealing,” he said in a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.
The government on Tuesday entered into an agreement with China Major Bridge Engineering Company Ltd for the construction of the main part of the Padma bridge.
Referring to a recent remark of Health Minister Mohammad Nasim over dialogue, Fakhrul said the government has proved itself illegitimate as it has sought the BNP's recognition as a precondition for holding a dialogue.
Nasim on Tuesday said a dialogue between the AL and BNP can take place if the BNP recognises the present government as the legal one.
“We are eager to hold talks with the government to get rid of the prevailing political stalemate although the government is constitutionally illegal,” the BNP spokesperson said.
“Dialogue is a must in the national interest, and it must be held with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at any cost,” he added.
The previous AL government has amended the constitution as per its wishes to hold the January 5 general election under a so-called election-time government, Fakhrul mentioned.
“After doing so, they invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for talks,” he alleged.