Editorial
Padma bridge project
We want renegotiations with WB
Though we are shocked and saddened by the fact that our dream of a bridge over Padma stands temporarily threatened by the WB's decision, yet we are glad to note that prospect of revival of the project still exists. At least that is what came out of the Finance Minister's press briefing on Sunday. It is very clear that the government is not closing the Padma Bridge chapter with the World Bank (WB) and wants the Bank to review its decision.
The government should also be commended for making public all its correspondences with the WB on this matter and the actions it has taken in response. However, it is one sided. We feel that it would have made the public privy to the WB correspondences.
Since there is the issue of 'credible evidence' asserted by the WB, which is 'not acceptable' to the government, it would have helped the public to know what the putative evidence the Bank had offered. This we feel would have helped validate the action of the government so far. That the "strict confidentiality" or the letter are WB property is not acceptable argument to us.
The ACC has also come public but again not entirely. That we are afraid begs the question as does its admission of lacunae in its laws that limit its operational capability.
The entire episode, predicated much by the definition of 'corruption' and 'credibility' has brought about a situation that has hurt the integrity of the government, blemished the image of the state and, above all, jeopardized our national interest. It appears that the government has been overzealous to protect a group of persons, especially one at the expense of the country's interest
We wonder whether the person at the center of the squabble should not have relinquished his position on his own or made to do so. That is where the government made a cardinal error. Nothing should have stood on the way to serve national interest. But something stood, and we are having to pay a heavy price for that.
The importance of the project cannot be overemphasized. We support the position that it should be revived. But before that happens, the government must address the concerns of the WB by removing those tainted by the allegations and have on board the project people with proven integrity and honesty. It must also hold a transparent and credible investigation. For its part, the WB should show more flexibility and understanding and help us start anew.
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