The ruling Awami League has taken tough stance against the global lender World Bank apparently to give a ‘befitting answer’ to its corruption conspiracy theory for which US$ 3billion fund in Padma Bridge project was stopped.
Already several ministers, senior AL leaders and high officials have expressed annoyance over the WB activities, while the cabinet has thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her firm decision to construct the bridge with own monetary source.
In the unscheduled discussion, the PM after cabinet meeting said that her family members, including son and daughter, were also harassed in the incident.
In the latest incident, the AL-led 14-party alliance on Wednesday demanded US$ 1 billion [Tk 8000 crore] compensation from the WB.
Besides, the AL high-ups expressed determination to take action against the persons who were behind the conspiracy. Several senior AL leaders, including party president and PM Sheikh Hasina, have categorically blamed Dr Muhammad Yunus to initiate the conspiracy involving former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to stop WB funding in Padma Bridge.
“The Banglee is not a nation of thief. WB will have to answer why it blamed Bangladesh without any proof. Bangladesh’s loan receiving from WB in the future will depend on WB answer,” Road and Bridges Minister and AL general secretary Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the AL-led 14-party alliance yesterday demanded the WB to pay US$ one billion in compensation for delaying the start of the construction of the Padma Bridge bringing graft allegation. Spokesperson of the 14-party alliance Mohammad Nasim, also Health Minister, made the demand at a meeting at AL President’s political office at Dhanmondi in the capital.
Nasim, also an Awami League presidium member, said the country has been affected badly financially due to false allegation involving the Padma Bridge funding made by the World Bank and demanded the Bank to pay US$ one billion in compensation for the loss incurred due to several years’ delay in starting the project.
Besides, Nasim demanded the Speaker to call Dr Muhammad Yunus and others involved in the conspiracy and explain their position.
He alleged that Muhammad Yunus took steps to influence the World Bank to stop financing the Padma Bridge. He also warned that those involved in anti-state activities and falsehood campaign against the country would not be spared.
