Propagandists for graft should apologise

Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman yesterday said the noted Bangladeshis who flared up the issue of alleged corruption in the Padma bridge project should apologise.

These people should at least admit their mistake to the prime minister and apologise, the adviser said.

His comments came yesterday after an Ontario Superior Court justice dismissed an international bribery case linked to the project at the prosecution's request, reports Canada-based CBC News.

They should also disclose the names of the people who misguided them, said Mashiur.

“The verdict of the Canadian court would further brighten the image of Bangladesh,” the adviser told The Daily Star in an interview.

Mashiur was one of the government high-ups whose name was also implicated in the Padma bridge corruption allegations.

He said the government had always highlighted that there was no base to the allegation.  

“The verdict [of the Canadian court] has again proved that the government was right. All credits go to the farsightedness of the prime minister because she had taken a bold stance,” he said.

Mashiur said the corruption allegation involved about $30 million to $40 million.

“Because of the scandal, I backtracked on my decision to contest the 2014 national elections,” he said.

When asked whether he would sue the World Bank, Mashiur said: “I can't make the decision alone. The prime minister will have to make the decision.”

He, however, said Bangladesh is also a shareholder of the World Bank (WB), and any issue could be raised in its board.

The economic affairs adviser said the government had earlier sought evidence that could justify the allegation, but the proof that the WB had provided could not convince the government of Bangladesh about the merit of the allegation.

He said the government did not want to get involved in any major tussle with the WB, as the country wants to maintain good relations with the multilateral lender.

After the verdict, the WB would be more cautious while carrying out inspection and making accusations against anyone, Mashiur hoped.

“If the bank can't get out of this type of attitude, it would not be able to conduct its main mission of eradicating poverty.”

Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, the then secretary to the bridges division, was suspended and landed in jail for his alleged involvement in the Padma bridge corruption.

Mosharraf, currently senior secretary to the industries ministry, should get justice, said the adviser.

Syed Abul Hossain also resigned from the post of communications minister.