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Padma graft charges not to affect image, says FM

Diplomatic Correspondent
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has dismissed suggestions that the World Bank's allegations of corruption in the bidding process of the Padma Bridge project have tarnished the country's image abroad.
"I do not see any reason that the question raised by the donors regarding the Padma Bridge will tarnish the country's image," she said in reply to a question at a press conference at the foreign ministry yesterday afternoon.
"Donors may raise questions about such a big project and we will give them all information in a transparent way. It does not mean that the country's image has been tarnished," said Dipu Moni.
The World Bank has recently suspended its $1.2 billion loan to the project amid alleged graft in the bidding process and the selection of a consultant TWo other financiers of the $2.9 billion project -
—Japan and the Asian Development Bank — have also reportedly held back their loans until the allegations are cleared.
World Bank country director Ellen Goldstein has said the bank will not proceed with the loan until it is satisfied on corruption and the fraud front.
The government has denied any wrongdoing in the project, but has said the World Bank allegations will be investigated.
The allegations are delaying the construction of the country's longest bridge (6.15-kilometers) that will connect Dhaka with the southwestern region.
Asked about the World Bank allegation that a minister's firm had asked for commission from bidders, Dipu Moni said in a big project many parties might be willing to participate and some might raise questions.
Turning to her meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the
foreign minister said she had sought Mrs Clinton's cooperation in the repatriation of a convicted killer of Bangabandhu, Rashed Ahmed, from the US.
Clinton's response was that the request was under legal process in the US and the State Department would cooperate to expedite it, Dipu Moni said.
Asked about the US secretary of state's concern about the functioning of Grameen Bank, Dipu Moni said she had not expressed concern, but had rather expressed the hope that Grameen Bank would operate with its reputation intact and its borrowers would not face any problems.
Dipu Moni said that she had conveyed the government's reaffirmed commitment to a proper running of Grameen Bank.
The foreign minister said Mrs Clinton might visit Bangladesh sometime next year at her invitation.