BNP standing committee member MK Anwar opposes Padma bridge with own fund,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Reiterating their party's stance, BNP standing committee member MK Anwar on Monday asked the government to resolve dispute with the World Bank instead of going to construct the Padma bridge with local fund.

“It will create extra burden on the people if the government tries to collect money by issuing bond or imposing surcharge. Even it will have a bad impact on the economy,” he said while addressing a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) organised by Sushil forum, a pro-BNP body.

The BNP leader suggested the government to take actions against corrupt persons in line with the World Bank allegations and convince the Bank to fund the Padma bridge project.

“Even it would be possible to build a number of bridges on Padma if the money which was looted in the last three years is given back,” the former minister said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque asked the government to disclose the letter sent by the World Bank and made the names of the corrupt persons public.

“If necessary, we will take two meals in a day. We will cooperate with the government to construct the Padma bridge. But, before that the government must seek apology for the Padma bridge scandal,” he said while addressing a discussion at the National Press Club organised by Jasas, a front body of BNP.

Earlier on July 1, the main opposition party in its formal reaction said that the construction of the Padma bridge with World Bank fund will be better for the country and there is still scope to resolve the issue with the WB instead of going for alternative funds with tough conditions.