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Padma Bridge Graft

ACC got 2nd WB report last month

Rejaul Karim Byron
The World Bank (WB) has sent a copy of its second report on findings about allegations of corruption in the Padma Bridge project to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation in addition to sending one to the finance minister.
ACC Chairman Ghulam Rahman yesterday told The Daily Star they received some information about alleged corruption in the project last month and have formed a two-member probe body.
At a pre-budget meeting with editors and senior journalists of print and electronic media yesterday, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the ACC has been given the responsibility to probe the WB allegations.
Muhith added, "I will speak after receiving the ACC findings. It does not make any sense to me to speak anything before that."
The WB gave the government a report on the alleged Padma Bridge corruption in September last year and another in April. The second report focuses on the allegation of graft in awarding consultancy to Canadian company SNC-Lavalin.
An official of WB's Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) went to the ACC office last month and handed over the second report to the ACC chairman for investigation, an ACC high official said.
A finance ministry official said, the INT official alongwith WB Country Director Ellen Goldstein also went to the finance minister's residence and handed over the second report to him.
In a statement on May 10, World Bank Country Director Ellen Goldstein told The Daily Star they have evidence of corruption. He expressed hope the government would investigate and make the wrong-doers accountable.
The ACC chairman said the WB has provided the commission with some information about alleged corruption found by the government of Canada in appointing a Canadian company as the consulting firm for the main bridge.
The WB gave the information based on the findings of the Canadian Mounted Police, Rahman said adding: "The information was not adequate for proving the wrong-doing."
The ACC chief said that is why they will go for further investigation.
Asked whose names have been mentioned in the information provided by the WB, Ghulam Rahman said, "Details cannot be disclosed for the sake of investigation."
Replying to another query as to how long it will take to complete the probe, Rahman said they are now seeking more information from both the WB and the Canadian government.
He said they will maintain more contact mainly with the Canadian Mounted Police for information.
Finance Minister AMA
Muhith replying to the editors' query said the WB has given some information about alleged corruption based on the report of the Canadian government. Muhith added the WB mentioned that there is some probability of graft in appointing consultant and they have got some information in this regard.
The minister said the money spent so far on the Padma Bridge project is government money, not a single penny of donor fund has been spent.
He also said there is no complaint about the work so far done for rehabilitation of those displaced by the project. "Therefore, there has been no corruption; absolutely no corruption tookplace."
On the WB's first report, Muhith said the ACC investigated the allegations and found no wrong-doing.
He also said, "The work of the Padma Bridge construction has been delayed by one and a half years because of suspicious allegations of corruption. It is a ridiculous matter."
The finance minister added: "Now our position is that we will start the work next year at any cost. There will be provision in the budget for this. We hope that the donors will be with us."
Muhith also said they have an alternative offer from Malaysia. The detailed proposal is yet to come. When it comes, its economic viability will be considered, he added.
On financing the Padma Bridge, the minister said the government will take a final decision by July so that the work can be started next year.
The deadline for loan effectuation will expire on July 27.