Dhaka, July 4 (UNB) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to make a detailed statement on the much-talked-about Padma Bridge issue in parliament on July 8, the concluding day of the current session.

Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali said this when Hasanul Haque Inu MP on Wednesday proposed holding detailed discussion on the Padma Bridge issue.

“This is an important issue and realising its importance, the Prime
Minister will speak in details on it on the concluding day of the current session,” said the deputy speaker who was presiding over the session.

On June 30, the World Bank formally cancelled its US$1.2 billion IDA credit in support of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project, the country’s largest-ever bridge, citing corruption concerns.

The Asian Development Bank was supposed to provide US$615 million, Japan International Cooperation Agency US$400 million and Islamic Development Bank US$140 million more for construction of the multipurpose bridge.

In April last year, the government signed a deal with the WB for a US$1.2 billion loan to construct the country’s longest US$ 2.9 billion bridge. Jica was committed to funding $400 million for the Padma bridge project

The 6.2-km bridge is meant for linking the country's impoverished south with capital Dhaka and the main port city of Chittagong.

Following the annulment of the deal, the main opposition BNP continued its scathing attack on the government and sought resignation of the Prime Minister.

Addressing at different meetings during her recent visit to Chittagong and Feni, opposition leader Khaleda Zia accused the Prime Minister and her family members of involving in the Padma Bridge project graft. She also asked the government to quit shouldering the responsibility for the alleged graft.