Editorial
No 'surprise' from Quader, please
He contradicts the FM's position to review the deal with WB
When the whole nation is reeling from the World Bank's cancellation of the Padma Bridge loan, we are perplexed by Communications Minister Obaidul Quader's promise to spring a 'surprise' on the Padma bridge project. While the finance minister expresses his hope that the WB should see fit to review its decision, Quader claims that alternative funding the cost of which would be cheaper than WB rates is being negotiated.
Quader's comment is clearly at variance with the finance minister's attempt to revive the deal with the WB. We find this lack of coordination disturbing. Therefore, we think a minister with such an important portfolio as communications should speak with circumspection and responsibility especially when he is passing comments about issues of extreme national importance.
As for the dramatic 'surprise' up his sleeves, we would like to say that we are clearly suffering from big surprises and have no stomach for any more. If he has specific data about the cost-benefit analysis of alternative funding with Malaysia or with any other country or organization, he should make that information public when something tangible has been firmed up or worked out. That would give us enough data to compare with the WB's pledge and judge which is better for us.
Let's reiterate that the Padma Bridge project is an integral part of the country's infrastructural development and is a matter far too serious to be dealt with in a cavalier fashion. Nor is any degree of non-coordination between the communications and finance ministers desirable at this critical juncture.
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