Padma Bridge Fund
Jica likely to look for alternatives
Says Jica chief in Dhaka
Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) yesterday said it would like to look for "any possibilities" to go with the Padma bridge project.
"If the World Bank disappeared, the current framework collapses . . . but if the Bangladesh government demonstrates their remarkable commitment and leadership to take anti-corruption measures, we might be able to look for some other possibilities," Jica's Chief Representative in Dhaka Dr Takao Toda told the news agency.
Toda, however, added: "It is not the time to talk about it [other possibilities of funding] as the current framework leading by the World Bank is the best option for this country.
"We know that the government of Bangladesh is working very hard to take anti-corruption measures, but still there is so much room for improvement," he said.
He, however, declined to comment on what kind of anti-graft measures they were expecting.
His remarks came a day after Finance Minister AMA Muhith talked with Jica President Akihiko Tanaka over phone and urged him to discuss the issue with the WB president.
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