"We are aggrieved over the cancellation of the World Bank loan. As a sovereign country, we can always ask question about the process and we will do it," Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said at a reception programme organised by Indian Media Correspondents' Association of Bangladesh at the National Press Club Monday .Bangladesh will demand explanations from the World Bank on its process and procedures on canceling the $ 1.2 billion loan for Padma bridge in the right time in a proper forum, says Foreign Minister . "Yes, we have disagreement over one project but there are other projects where the World Bank is financing."
The Bank did not provide any credible evidence, which could substantiate corruption allegation and it also did not follow due procedure while canceling the loan agreement, she said. Dr. Dipumoni, however, said Bangladesh had long engagement with the lending agency and the relationship would not suffer due to this one project.
The lending agency cancelled its pledged loan for much-coveted $ 2.9 billion project on the grounds of corruption on June 28.
The bridge is said to connect 16 south-western districts with Dhaka and improve the livelihood of about 60 million living in those backward districts. The minister felt the cancellation had no impact on the nation's image. "Nothing is proved yet and I feel nothing happened which hurt the image of Bangladesh."
About Japanese assistance for the project, she said the government conveyed a strong message to all its partners that it was determined to construct the bridge even with its own fund, if need be. "We told them our burden will lessen if they help us."
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