Immunity to World Bank opposed

The government has prepared a bill in this regard, which is yet to be placed in the Jatiya Sangsad.

The speakers also called upon the people to raise protest against the government move.

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The discussion on "Proposed Bill to Give Immunity to International Financial Institutions" was organised by the Satkhira Chapter of Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), an NGO.

It was presided over by Anisur Rahman of CGG and addressed by, among others, Principal Asit Kumar Majumdar, Principal Sheikh Abdul Wadood, SM Saidar Rahman, all leaders of the newly formed Anti-Immunity Alliance; Advocate Nurul Alam; Subhas Chandra Sarkar and Madhab Dutta. It was held at the office of the Satkhira Unnayan Kendra, also an NGO.

They said World Bank officials speak of democracy, accountability and transparency. But they are now seeking immunity. This has raised doubt among people whether they really want to help the country's development.

Tied loans given by WB and International Monetary Fund (IMF) do not really benefit the country as their lion shares are spent for the people deputed by them as consultants and officials, the speakers said.

They said WB does not give any aid to Bangladesh, it just gives loans which do not bring any good to the poor.

"So it will be vary much injustice to give immunity to WB'', Asit Kumar Majumdar said.

Anisur Rahim, a journalist, said, "We are in fact very unfortunate that our democratic government despite being aware of the implications is taking step to give immunity".

WB prescription has not benefited the poor in any country.

The proposed bill bars individuals form seeking legal help against the WB, he said.

SM Saidar Rahman said Bangladesh made a great mistake by giving immunity to the Asian Development Bank. "We can not afford another mistake", he said.

"What the government will do if other financial institutions and multinational companies seek immunity?" he posed the question.