Padma bridge graft
Prof Anu blames consultants
Noted economist Prof Anu Muhammad yesterday alleged that a group of consultants and their associates at home and abroad are involved in the corruption of Padma Bridge project.
In collaboration with the local associates, the foreign consultants showed huge expenditure for the construction of the bridge, he said.
Prof Anu was addressing a view exchange meeting on "corruption in different sectors" at Jatiya Press Club in the city, organised by Chhatra-Shikhak-Peshajibi-Janata, a citizens' platform led by journalist Syed Abul Moksud.
The Jahangirngar University professor questioned how the expenditure of Padma Bridge project was doubled within one year from Tk 10,000 crore to around Tk 21, 000 crore.
He also observed mismanagement in Dhaka-Chittagong Railway project, saying the cost was estimated at Tk 1,000 two years ago, and now it st has been doubled.
The economist said the minister (communications) is busy taking the big project while the condition of the roads and highways of the country is very poor.
BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said foreign donors are "plunging the country into destruction" putting pressure on the government due to lack of minimum understanding among political parties.
He said corrupted persons are stronger in the political parties while some politicians are destroying democracy, reporting blames of each other to foreign diplomats, he added.
The BNP leader also expressed concerns over abduction of people, which, he said, is an alarming signal for the country.
He said the citizens' platform will hold a protest rally against mismanagement and corruption in different sectors including communications ministry on October 20 at Central Shaheed Minar.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, former organising secretary of Awami League also spoke at the programme.
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