Padma Bridge - the dream

We are really upset after knowing the news, and really have no words to say after knowing the details about the news. After reading the whole project detail from World Bank webpage, I would like to share some points with all the readers: I. proposed loan for USD1200M 2. Disbursement of the loan amount USD0 3.Total bridge cost USD2900M As per the world bank PRESS RELEASE “The World Bank has credible evidence corroborated by a variety of sources which points to a high-level corruption conspiracy among Bangladeshi government officials, SNC Lavalin executives and private individuals in connection with the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project.” As per these PRESS RELEASE it is clear that WB found high level ‘corruption Conspiracy’ on the project. I think readers have to know about the ‘corruption’ and ‘corruption conspiracy’. Some news papers already wrote “বিশ্বব্যাংক বলছে, সেতু নির্মাণের ক্ষেত্রে বাংলাদেশ সরকারের কর্মকর্তা, কানাডার পরামর্শক প্রতিষ্ঠান এবং বেসরকারি ব্যক্তিদের যোগসাজশে বিভিন্ন সূত্র থেকে দুর্নীতির বিশ্বাসযোগ্য তথ্য-প্রমাণ তাদের হাতে এসেছে।” Prothom alo,30-06-2012 as per the Prothom Alo news it is clear that there is already accord corruption, but if we need their press release statement, WB clearly wants to say that they found ‘high-level corruption conspiracy’. Is it not the propaganda or trying to establish the corruption by Prothom Alo? Readers please note that WB has not yet disbursement single dollar on the project and canceled the agreement Because of they found ‘corruption conspiracy’. I strongly want to say, it is very shameful for us and it effects our image in the world market, but my question, Why don’t the government take any action on the ‘Corruption Conspiracy’ matter? Why don’t they take any action against the former communication minister Abul Hossain? Isn’t ACC investigating the issue? What is the whole story? We want to know a clear statement from our government officials, what was in the report from WB actually? It is government’s responsibility to clear the matter to the citizens. WB was one of the highest donor organisations for Bangladesh and for its development. As per the project detail of the World Bank, still our current government procuring USD3833.74 Million worth project which started from January 10,2008 to march 22, 2012 I would strongly oppose the decision of the WB and appeal to review their decision for the people of south and western region of the country. I am living in Dhaka city and my home district is Shariatpur, but due to the long journey by water vehicles and overall infrastructure problem, I hardly can go home! If the Padma Bridge’s been completed, I can go my home within two hours which is now taking more than five/six hours. People living in Dhaka might not understand the worth of Padma Bridge but we, who are from south and western region, feel that badly! Dear readers definitively there are lots of points which you cannot overlook: 1. The district which can directly get benefit from the bridge are, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Gopalgonj, Norail, Bagerhat, Khulna,Barisal,Jhalokati, Potuakhali, Borguna and so on and ruling government always gets bing number of votes in these regions in general election. 2. This government promised in their communiqué that will definitely build the Padma Bridge and if they don’t do this they will fail to keep their word. I am requesting our government officials to find out the actual culprits behind this issue because it is their duty to find them and present us our dream - Padma Bridge.