WB gave graft info, says ACC

The World Bank did share with the Anti-Corruption Commission some information on graft allegations in recruitment of Padma bridge project consultants, but the recent media reports on the issue were partial.
The ACC came up with the clarification yesterday, also saying the news items, some attributed to the watchdog itself, were apparently contradictory with one another and misleading.
Following allegations of irregularities, the World Bank last September suspended its $1.2 billion fund for the bridge construction and launched a probe into its bidding process.
This year, the WB temporarily barred a unit of the Canadian company SNC-Lavalin from bidding in its new schemes following an investigation into the Padma bridge project.
The ACC in its statement yesterday said the World Bank had named some persons involved in the Padma bridge graft.
“But it wouldn't be right to jump to a conclusion that they [persons] had demanded bribes from the consultant firm,” said the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya.
“The ACC is investigating the issue. The commission has already quizzed some persons. The Canadian company has also agreed to help the ACC in this regard,” it added.