Padma Bridge project clean
Even before any investigation, Finance Minister AMA Muhith has brushed aside the World Bank's allegations of corruption in the bidding process for the Padma Bridge project .
The allegations are “frivolous”, Muhith said while talking to journalists in front of his office yesterday.
The minister said only two deals -- requisition of land for the project and resettlement of the people affected by this -- have been made so far, and with complete transparency.
He claimed that this is the first time such work has been done in an honest way. In the past, graft allegations were made at this stage of construction of the Jamuna Bridge, he said.
The WB has already "temporarily halted" its $1.2 billion loan for the bridge project following allegations of corruption, and the government has decided that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will probe those.
Asked whether the project can be implemented with domestic resources in case the WB does not fund it, the finance minister said it is not possible. The WB financing will be required.
He declined to say anything when asked whether the WB's allegations involve the communications minister and his business firm.
The minister had earlier said the government would issue a statement regarding the graft allegations. Asked about this, he said it is a “delicate” matter.
Muhith told another questioner, the government will have to decide its strategy. It has to choose between two options -- to go for a big fight with the WB or follow its decision.
He also said the present government will start construction of the bridge even if it cannot complete it during its tenure.
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