Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith has welcomed the charges pressed by the Canadian police regarding corruption by Canadian construction giant SNC-Lavalin in the Padma Bridge project.
Muhith said in Sylhet on Thursday, “it’s very good” that the company’s ex-senior executive Kevin Wallace has been charged.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a statement on Wednesday said that the charges are related to an investigation into awarding a contract for supervision and consultancy services of the construction of Padma Bridge.
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury have also been charged by RCMP.
“I am very happy about it. Because, I objected when they did not include that Kevin guy. I told them that he should not be let out.”
“We had found him guilty, but they did not. It’s good, now that he has been charged.”
About former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury being charged for his involvement in the high-profile graft case, Muhith said, “Abul Hasan was under our suspicion as well, it is good that he was accused there.”
Abul Hasan Chowdhury served as junior minister in the 1996-2001 Hasina Cabinet. The son of former President Abu Syed Chowdhury is no longer a member of the Awami League.
The Canadian police have also accused former official Ramesh Shah, 62 and Mohammad Ismail, 50 who are also accused by Anti-Corruption Commission in Bangladesh.
According to a report of Canada’s Financial Post, SNC-Lavalin’s ex-senior executive Wallace, hailing from Oakville, Ontario, has been released on conditions and a promise to appear in court.
Source: Bd news24