Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- A Malaysian delegation has submitted a detailed proposal for financing the Padma Bridge project.
A 26-member delegation, led by the Malaysian Prime Minister’s special envoy for South Asia Dato S Samy Vellu, submitted the proposal in presence of Communications Minister Obaidul Quader at Shetu Bhaban in the capital Dhaka on Monday.
After the meeting, Obaidul Quader told reporters that the delegation submitted a proposal to bear the full cost of the mega project. “We’ve not yet seen the details of the proposal as a brief discussion was held with the delegation,” he said.
He also said there will be a month-long discussion as the proposal will be considered keeping the national interest in mind.
"We are hopeful of signing the agreement within a few months, and might start construction of the bridge within eight to nine months," the minister noted.
The technical experts and engineers of the Malaysian delegation will visit the proposed project sites at Mawa and Jazira point on Tuesday, and also sit with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority officials before their departure.
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge was one of the most important election pledges of the present Awami League-led government. Earlier, it planned to complete construction of the bridge before the end of its tenure in 2014.
The project has been held up after the World Bank, coordinating financier of the multi-donor project, raised allegation of corruption in its bidding process.
BBN/SSR/AD-28May12-11:40 pm (BST)
