Padma our Hwang Ho
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
In my childhood I read in my school's geography text book that Hwang Ho or the Yellow River was called China's sorrow because the river, named for the yellow silt or sediment it carries, had burst its banks many times over the long history of the country. It seems Padma river has also become a reason for our sorrow and shame.
On June 29, the World Bank cancelled a US$ 1.2 billion loan stating high-level ‘corruption conspiracy’ in the bridge project. The proposed bridge of 6.2-kilometre (3.8 miles) over the Padma was supposed to connect the capital with the country's 16 south-western districts. It was an acid test for the ruling party and a successful Padma Bridge would have been a milestone for the ruling grand alliance.
But the Padma Bridge has become the latest embarrassment for the government and the people of our country. The scandal greatly dented our image at home and abroad. If the government handled the matter with discretion then things would not have gone this far.
We must not forget that the world doesn't move as per our likings. I believe if the government sincerely tries to amend its relation with the major donors then there is still time. All it has to do is to make sure that the entire process of building the bridge is made transparent. I think instead of blaming and finding fault with others the government should take immediately action to repair the damage.
Mohammad Sohel Hara
Shahjadpur, Dhaka
sohelhara@hotmail.com
On June 29, the World Bank cancelled a US$ 1.2 billion loan stating high-level ‘corruption conspiracy’ in the bridge project. The proposed bridge of 6.2-kilometre (3.8 miles) over the Padma was supposed to connect the capital with the country's 16 south-western districts. It was an acid test for the ruling party and a successful Padma Bridge would have been a milestone for the ruling grand alliance.
But the Padma Bridge has become the latest embarrassment for the government and the people of our country. The scandal greatly dented our image at home and abroad. If the government handled the matter with discretion then things would not have gone this far.
We must not forget that the world doesn't move as per our likings. I believe if the government sincerely tries to amend its relation with the major donors then there is still time. All it has to do is to make sure that the entire process of building the bridge is made transparent. I think instead of blaming and finding fault with others the government should take immediately action to repair the damage.
Mohammad Sohel Hara
Shahjadpur, Dhaka
sohelhara@hotmail.com