Govt move for alternative sources proves Padma Bridge graft: BNP

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BNP Standing Committee Member Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia has said the government's move to collect funds from alternative sources for the Padma Bridge project proved its involvement in corruption. The BNP leader said this, while addressing a function at the National Press Club in the city Monday, reports UNB. He said the government is now telling that if the World Bank (WB) does not provide funds for the Padma Bridge project, then funds will be collected from other sources. "This proves that they (govt) themselves are seriously involved in the corruption. The communications minister is not alone. there are others, too," he added. Barrister Rafiq said: "Had those at the highest level of the government not been involved in the corruption they would have removed the communications minister to prove themselves clean. Without doing that, they're looking for alternative sources of funds." The former minister said if the government can prove the WB allegation wrong then the bank would be forced to admit its mistakes and finance the Padma Bridge project. "But the government is not proceeding in that way. Instead, it's looking for alternative funds," he said.