The World Bank accused Bangladesh's then Communications Minister of corruption in relation to a $2.9 billion bridge construction project
LONDON (TrustLaw) – A former Bangladeshi Communication Minister, who the World Bank accused of corruption, was cleared by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday, Bangladesh’s Daily Star reported.
An international consortium, led by the World Bank, agreed in 2010 to lend Bangladesh up to $2.9 billion for a 6-kilometre (4-mile) multi-purpose bridge over the river Padma.
The World Bank withdrew its loan of $1.2 billion for the project after it accused then Bangladeshi Communication Minister Syed Abul Hossain and his family-owned company SAHCO of soliciting bribes from companies intending to bid for the contract of the main bridge, the Daily Star reported.
"The graft allegation hasn't been proved, based on the documentary and verbal evidence we have," the Daily Star quoted ACC Chairman Ghulam Rahman as saying at a Thursday press briefing.
“We think there is no need for further inquiry into the allegation. If the World Bank gives more specific documents and evidence, we'll reopen the inquiry,” the ACC chief added.
Abul has consistently denied the allegations against him and his company, the Daily Star said.
The news follows a September announcement by the World Bank that Canadian authorities were investigating employees of Canada-based engineering firm SNC-Lavalin for possible corruption in relation to the Padma Bridge project.
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