Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The construction of the Padma Bridge will begin within the current fiscal year (2012-13), and all scopes for implementation of the mega project still remain open, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said.
"Whoever says what, as the communication minister, I must say it is possible to start the construction of the Padma Bridge in the current fiscal," the minister said during a program at BRAC Centre in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday.
"All doors with the World Bank (WB) and other donors are still open. Besides, construction of the bridge with the government's own fund, if necessary, is also under consideration," he noted.
Obaidul Quader's comment on the issue came after Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Moshiur Rahman said the construction the Padma Bridge would not begin during the present government's tenure, and only exchange of letters with the WB would take place.
When asked, the minister, however, admitted that he had a meeting with the adviser Monday evening in which they discussed a wide range of issues related to the Padma Bridge project.
"We have discussed about the possibility of reviewing the WB's decision on cancellation of funding for the bridge, and what the government would do if it does not happen etc," he told the reporters.
The communications minister said they also held discussion on the weakness and strength of the Malaysian proposal as well as offers of China and Korea on funding the bridge.
BBN/SSR/AD-19Sept12-12:20 pm (BST)
