WB report incomplete but objective: Muhith

The report by the World Bank's external panel of experts on the Padma bridge project was incomplete but objective, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said yesterday.
“The report did not say anything clearly,” he said at a function where Sonali Bank (UK) Ltd handed over its dividends for 2012 to the government.
An external panel led by Argentine Judge Luis Moreno Ocampo conducted an investigation into the allegations of graft in the Padma bridge project, the report of which was handed over to Muhith on Tuesday by Johannes Zutt, WB's country director.
“It has included two to three names that I am not aware of.  But their main objection is regarding the former communications minister Syed Abul Hossain, although our Anti-Corruption Commission found nothing against him.”
Muhith said he would give his full opinion on the report on Monday, and requested the WB to attach his statement with the report if they decide to upload it on to their website.
Regarding the ongoing case at a Canadian court on the corruption allegations, the minister said: “Though the ACC went to Canada, they could not get any information due to bar in the laws of that country. Until the case is closed, I don't think we can get any information from there.”
“A person claimed that he decided to bribe some people. He is a Bengali American, and has fled the country. It seems he will not return.”
Regarding the Hall-Mark scam, the finance minister said it would be difficult to take action against the directors of Sonali Bank on charges of their involvement in the scam.
M Aslam Alam, chairman of Sonali Bank (UK) Ltd, handed over the dividend  worth £4 lakh to Muhith.
AHM Habibur Rahman, chairman of Sonali Bank, and Pradip Kumar Dutta, managing director, and Ataur Rahman, chief executive officer of Sonali Bank (UK) Ltd, were also present.