Padma Bridge financing

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Obaidul Quader's comment on Finance Minister AMA Muhith's position being "unrealistic" and "obstructionist" on Chinese and Russian proposals has taken us by surprise. More so, when Quader makes a value judgment on the finance minister's stance indirectly blaming him for the delay in starting construction of Padma Bridge. Muhith has dubbed the proposals 'unacceptable' based on what we find reasonable grounds. It has nothing to do with undermining any country, nor undervaluing the relationship with it. His reservations over bilateral proposals are premised on the unassailable fact that we have floated international tender inviting bidders for the project. Naturally, therefore, at this stage, bilateral negotiations for funding will have to be ruled out. Instead, interested companies of the countries concerned should respond to the international tender for an evaluation and assessment on a competitive basis of the terms on offer. The process needs to be brought to a conclusion, it cannot be short-circuited. Because the uppermost consideration is securing the best interest of the country. We endorse the finance minister's views as follows: 'We need to waive off global tendering if we accept the Chinese offer or any such offer, but doing the project with a global tender is 'basic' for Bangladesh'. He added, 'I am not prepared to accept any fixed contractors, that is my view.' Overall, we think the finance minister's stance merits wider support and little wonder, it has already found resonance among the experts