'Those who fanned Padma graft allegation should apologise'

Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman today said that notable Bangladeshis who had contributed to flaring up the issue of the 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 after an Ontario Superior Court justice dismissed an international bribery case linked to the project yesterday at the prosecution's request, reports CBCNews.

READ: Canada court finds no proof of Padma bridge bribery conspiracy

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

“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 maintained 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.

ALSO READ: WB gave graft info, says ACC

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

“Because of the scandal, I backtracked from my decision to contest in the 2014 national election,” he said.

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

He, however, said that Bangladesh is also a shareholder of the WB and any issue can be raised in its board.

The economic affairs adviser said the government had sought evidence that justified the allegation, but the proof that the WB had supplied 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 because the country wants to maintain good relations with the multilateral lender.

READ: ACC was under WB pressure to file Padma graft case

Mashiur also said following the verdict the WB would be more cautious the way it carries out inspection and gives blame on somebody.

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

The WB should strengthen its legal system and work closely with countries where perceived corrupt practices take place, said Mashiur.

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

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

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