Muhith wants WB to fund Padma Bridge project
He says something has to be done within 7-8 days
Dhaka, Aug 22 (UNB) - Reiterating that discussions are still on with the World Bank, Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Wednesday said something has to be done within 7-8 days regarding financing of the Padma Bridge project by the global lender.
Two other co financiers -- Jica and ADB -- earlier extended their loan effectiveness by a month till August 31 to have a final decision from the World Bank, and something has to be done by August 31, he said while exchanging views with reporters at his secretariat office.
Asked how much the government is optimistic about the World Bank fund for the bridge, Muhith denied making any comment. “I won’t make any comment on this while discussions are going on.”
The Finance Minister said the cancellation of fund by the World Bank for the Padma Bridge was unjust. “I want the World Bank to finance the project as it’ll help the country regain its lost dignity.”
About fulfilling the World Bank conditions for the project, Muhith said the government has done everything possible about it and there is nothing else to talk about.
He told another questioner that the government would write a letter to the lending institution only then when it would feel that their letter would not be rejected by the World Bank.
In October last, the World Bank suspended its promised US$ 1.2 billion funding for the Padma bridge project following charges of corruption.
The government earlier signed deals with the World Bank for US$ 1.2 billion, with the ADB for US$ 615 million, with JICA for US$ 400 million and with IDB for US$ 140 million to arrange funds for the US$ 2.9 billion Padma Multi-purpose Bridge project, the country’s longest bridge.
Two other co financiers -- Jica and ADB -- earlier extended their loan effectiveness by a month till August 31 to have a final decision from the World Bank, and something has to be done by August 31, he said while exchanging views with reporters at his secretariat office.
Asked how much the government is optimistic about the World Bank fund for the bridge, Muhith denied making any comment. “I won’t make any comment on this while discussions are going on.”
The Finance Minister said the cancellation of fund by the World Bank for the Padma Bridge was unjust. “I want the World Bank to finance the project as it’ll help the country regain its lost dignity.”
About fulfilling the World Bank conditions for the project, Muhith said the government has done everything possible about it and there is nothing else to talk about.
He told another questioner that the government would write a letter to the lending institution only then when it would feel that their letter would not be rejected by the World Bank.
In October last, the World Bank suspended its promised US$ 1.2 billion funding for the Padma bridge project following charges of corruption.
The government earlier signed deals with the World Bank for US$ 1.2 billion, with the ADB for US$ 615 million, with JICA for US$ 400 million and with IDB for US$ 140 million to arrange funds for the US$ 2.9 billion Padma Multi-purpose Bridge project, the country’s longest bridge.
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