Work on Padma Bridge to start as scheduled: Obaidul
Dhaka, July 1 (UNB) – Although the World Bank has cancelled its funding to the proposed Padma Bridge project, the government will start the construction work on its main infrastructure within the stipulated time, says the Communications Minister.
“We're strongly committed to starting the construction work on the main infrastructure of the Padma Bridge Project within the stipulated time,” Obaidul Quader told reporters at his Secretariat office on Sunday morning.
Obaidul Quader said a surprise is waiting for the people who are telling before its birth that the ‘Padma baby’ will be lame and blind.
“We're looking for alternative fund for the Padma Bridge Project keeping the public interest in mind. If we sign agreement with alternative source (Malaysia) for funding, there'll be significant reduction of cost in the project,” he said.
The minister said some three crore people have a direct stake in the Padma Bridge while 16 crore people will indirectly benefit from it because the country’s GDP will increase if it is implemented.
Terming the funding cancellation of the World Bank on the project unexpected, he said the WB had set a timeframe to probe the graft allegation within the July 27 next, but it cancelled its funding before reaching the deadline.
Quader said the World Bank submitted a report on graft allegation of SNC-Lavalin to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the commission is now investigating the allegation.
“We know, the country’s reputation is involved with the incident. But you shouldn’t say we’re guilty by only placing allegation. You’ll have to prove that we’re guilty,” he said.
The Communications Minister said the World Bank become active only when Malaysian special envoy for South Asia on Infrastructure Dato' Seri S Samy Vellu came up with their proposal to implement the mega project.
On June 28, Malaysia placed a draft proposal for signing a final deal for the construction of the much-talked-about Padma Bridge Project. Samy Vellu formally submitted the draft proposal to Communications and Railways Minister Obaidul Quader.
The World Bank on Friday formally cancelled its US$ 1.2 billion credit in support of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project, the country’s largest-ever bridge, citing corruption concerns.
Replying to a question, Quader said: “The World Bank has closed its door for us, but our door is always open for the World Bank.”
“We're strongly committed to starting the construction work on the main infrastructure of the Padma Bridge Project within the stipulated time,” Obaidul Quader told reporters at his Secretariat office on Sunday morning.
Obaidul Quader said a surprise is waiting for the people who are telling before its birth that the ‘Padma baby’ will be lame and blind.
“We're looking for alternative fund for the Padma Bridge Project keeping the public interest in mind. If we sign agreement with alternative source (Malaysia) for funding, there'll be significant reduction of cost in the project,” he said.
The minister said some three crore people have a direct stake in the Padma Bridge while 16 crore people will indirectly benefit from it because the country’s GDP will increase if it is implemented.
Terming the funding cancellation of the World Bank on the project unexpected, he said the WB had set a timeframe to probe the graft allegation within the July 27 next, but it cancelled its funding before reaching the deadline.
Quader said the World Bank submitted a report on graft allegation of SNC-Lavalin to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the commission is now investigating the allegation.
“We know, the country’s reputation is involved with the incident. But you shouldn’t say we’re guilty by only placing allegation. You’ll have to prove that we’re guilty,” he said.
The Communications Minister said the World Bank become active only when Malaysian special envoy for South Asia on Infrastructure Dato' Seri S Samy Vellu came up with their proposal to implement the mega project.
On June 28, Malaysia placed a draft proposal for signing a final deal for the construction of the much-talked-about Padma Bridge Project. Samy Vellu formally submitted the draft proposal to Communications and Railways Minister Obaidul Quader.
The World Bank on Friday formally cancelled its US$ 1.2 billion credit in support of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project, the country’s largest-ever bridge, citing corruption concerns.
Replying to a question, Quader said: “The World Bank has closed its door for us, but our door is always open for the World Bank.”
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