Alliance against World Bank Immunity to challenge immunity bill in court

Dhaka, May 6 (BDNEWS) – The 'alliance against World Bank Immunity' will challenge the World Bank (WB) immunity bill in the court if the government go ahead with the amendment of international financial organisations Act 1972.

This was told at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) Friday in the city.

"We will fight against the bill as this will breach the fundamental human and constitutional rights as well as will keep the WB out of any legal process in Bangladesh," said Ahmed Swapan, spokesman of the alliance.

Among others, Aminur Rasul Swapan, Mohammad Zakaria, Arup Rahi, and Zakir Hossain also spoke.

The bill "the international financial organisation (amendment) act 2004" will be placed in the next parliament to give the bank full immunity, they said.

He, on behalf of the alliance, urged the government not to pass the bill as this immunity will be used as an instrument to put pressure on the other poor countries that will be insulting for Bangladesh.

Speakers said according to the international financial organisations act, 1972 the bank and its officials have given a number of opportunities and privileges.

However, the bank is putting pressure to pass the bill for its full immunity since 2001 after a former bank employee filed a case against the bank.

The alliance will organise a countrywide programmes from May 8-18 in protest against the move. The programmes include, holding rallies, submitting memorandums to the speaker, the PM, Finance minister and Law Minister.

BDNEWS/1835 hrs