Padma bridge depends on fund availability: Obaidul

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader.

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday said construction of the Padma Bridge would start as soon as they get the fund.

“I am looking forward to the finance minister for the money. Preparations to start the construction work have almost completed. The construction will start immediately after the finance minister provides the money,” he said.

Obaidul was talking to newsmen at a press conference on the activities of Bridge Division in the capital’s Setu Bhaban.

He, however, said the issue on financing of the Padma bridge would be clear by February next year.

“We have to wait until February to say something finally about Padma bridge’s fate,” he said.

Replying to queries of the media men whether the construction of the much-talked-about bridge is uncertain as the matter of fund remains uncertain, he said, “You have to wait until February 2013.”

“I would not reply to any hypothetical question,” he said when asked what will happen after February 2013?

Replying to a question whether the government is giving more importance on political issue rather than finance of the bridge project, Obaidul said the World Bank team visited twice so far to discuss the matters with finance ministry, Economic Relations Division (ERD) and Anti-Corruption Commission.

They did not hold any talk with the communications ministry during their visits.

So, this question will be answered by those who held discussions with the WB team, the minister added.

Source: The Daily Star