Dhaka, July 1 (UNB) - Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) president Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury expressed his deep concern over cancellation of the Padma Bridge funding on graft charge, saying that the Awami League will have to pay a heavy price in the next polls for it.

In a statement on Sunday, Prof. Chowdhury, also a former president, said the government proved itself as partner and accomplice of corruption by not taking into cognizance the charges made by the World Bank (WB).

The future of the much-anticipated bridge appears uncertain due to wrong steps taken by the government favouring illogical acts and graft, Chowdhury alleged. The Awami League will have to suffer for the corruption over the bridge if the next general election is held under the non-party caretaker government, he added.

“It is clear after reading the WB’s statement that the then Communications Minister and concerned officials were involved in the corruption. The Communications Minister was transferred to another ministry instead of carrying out probe into the allegation and taking stern action against the minister and the concerned officials, despite timely warning by the WB”, said the BDB leader.

This proved that the government is a partner in corruption, said the ex-president

The Finance Minister also failed to prove his competence, he said, adding that it now appears Bangladesh has been deprived of the opportunity of getting significant financial assistance in the future due to the graft.

The financial assistance offered by the WB was essential for construction of the bridge, he said, expressing his regret over the suffering of the people who had been deprived of a development milestone.