---

 Take up the challenge of Padma project: Experts

Dhaka : Experts at a roundtable in Dhaka on Thursday said the government should take up the challenge of implementing the Padma Bridge project without assistance from the World Bank.
They also recommended formation of a national committee or authority for the quick execution of the mega infrastructure project.
Addressing the roundtable discussion, titled 'Much Expected Padma Bridge: Present Context and National Responsibility', the fund for the project can easily be realised by selling bonds to non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and introducing surcharges on mobile phone users.
The roundtable was organised by Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh at its head office in the city. They, however, demanded a neutral investigation into the allegations of corruption against both the representatives of the government and the WB.
They stressed that the construction of Padma Bridge without assistance from the WB is quite possible, both from financial and technical aspects, but cautioned that good governance and monitoring of the works will be needed to make sure the proper use of the money.
Chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, said, "I hail the Prime Minister for deciding to build the Padma Bridge with our own fund, if needed." "The cancellation of the WB contract has opened up an opportunity for us. Now we can asses our strength as a nation and stretch our ability," he said.
Kholiquzzaman said, "Some people are telling that if the WB doesn't assist us with US dollars, the balance of payment (BoP) of the country will be affected due to the huge spending from the national exchequer to procure construction materials and technical consultation."
Kholiquzzaman, however, said the government needs to convince the NRBs saying that there will be no corruption and misuse of money in this regard.
Former vice-chancellor of Buet Prof Dr Shafiullah said the country has all the preparations, both financial and technical, to launch the construction of the Padma Bridge without loan from the WB.
Bangladesh Krishi Bank chairman Khandker Ibrahim Khaled said although the WB cancelled the loan for the Padma project, the IDB, the ADB, Jica haven't withdrawn their promised assistance.
State Minister for Water Resources Md Mahbubur Rahman said if the engineers of the country can give their own technical support and ensure the required support from abroad, the financing of the bridge will not be a problem at all. UNB