Dhaka, July 3 (bdnews24.com)—Communications Minister Obaidul Quader has admitted that his choice of the word 'surprise' while talking to journalists about World Bank's cancellation of its funding for Padma bridge project was wrong.
Quader came up with the spontaneous admission in a media statement on Tuesday, surprising the journalists this time.
"I made the comment when journalists asked for a reaction about the World Bank's cancellation of its fund for Padma bridge project. In my reaction, I had said, 'If Padma bridge is constructed by alternative fund, the people may have to bear a lesser financial burden and the pressure of the financial loan may be contained'," Quader said.
He had made the comment on Sunday.
"Replying to a question whether alternative financing may increase the Padma bridge project cost, I had said, 'There is a surprise for them (people).' I used the word surprise by mistake which should have been avoided. I regret the mistake without any hesitation," he said.
"I've been assuring the media of beginning the construction of the main structure of Padma bridge by February next year and I still believe so," he added.
"I had never made exaggerated statements other than replying to the queries of journalists; rather I was conscious about using words and sentences. I tried to present the position of the Bridges Division as well as the government before the people," Quader said.
The World Bank pulled out from the Padma bridge project on Friday. In April last year, the global lender had signed a contract to provide $1.2 billion of the $2.9 billion project.
Quader made the Sunday statement in reaction to the WB's decision at a press conference at the Secretariat.
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