Padma Bridge project a lesson for conspirators: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says no conspiracies plotted against Bangladesh can prove successful after it went ahead with the Padma Bridge project using its own resources after the World Bank leveled allegations of corruption.

Her remarks came on Thursday during the presentation of Bangladesh's highest civilian honour - the 'Swadhinata Padak' (Independence Award).

"Questions were raised about the Padma Bridge project and the World Bank leveled an allegation, which was false … and it has now been proven as such," Hasina said in her address.

The World Bank had suspended funding over the corruption allegations regarding the Padma Bridge project. Bangladesh was forced to withdraw its funding request and is now constructing the project using its own resources.

A case was started at a Canadian court against SNC-Lavalin, accusing the company of bribing Bangladeshi officials to secure contracts in the Padma Bridge project in 2010-11.

After lengthy legal proceedings, the Canadian court acquitted the three employees of the Canada-based company last month.

"Canada's federal court said in its verdict that the allegations were false and fabricated. I had said at that time that we would proceed with the project using our own funds ... that decision has raised Bangladesh's image in the global arena," Hasina said on Thursday.

The prime minister said that the global organisations, which "often resort to false allegations", had learnt its lesson and that Bangladesh could not be neglected. "No one can now conspire to demean Bangalis." 

The Bangladesh Air Force and 15 individuals received the Independence Award this year.

Six persons received the honour under the independence and Liberation War category. They are retired group captain Shamsul Alam Bir Uttam, Ashraful Alam, late Syed Mohsin Ali, martyrs Md Nazmul Haque, NM Nazmul Ahsan and Faizur Rahman Ahmed.

The Independence Award for literature went to Rabeya Khatun and the late Golam Samdani Koraishi.

Professor Dr Enamul Haque and Ustad Bazlur Rahman Badal has been received the award for contributions to culture.

Professor Dr AHM Touhidul Anowar Chawdhury has been chosen for his contribution to medical science and Khalil Kazi for social service.

Shamsuzzaman Khan and late Professor Dr Lalit Mohan Nath received the award under research and training category while Professor Mohammad Asaduzzaman for public administration.