Khaleda slams PM, family for corruption

Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia held Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family's "corruption" responsible for the World Bank's cancellation of Padma bridge funding. She made the allegation in Chittagong yesterday on the occasion of distributing relief among landslide and flood victims at Swadhinata Park under Chandgaon Police Station. The BNP chairperson said this government in its election manifesto had pledged to construct the bridge but its ministers opted for demanding commission before the work could start. According to her, the government had promoted corruption by not removing the corrupt ministers and giving them the responsibility of other ministries. Khaleda said the WB had already declared not to finance the Padma bridge project which indicated that this government would not be able to implement the project, as the bridge was not possible without the funding from the WB. She said the previous BNP governments had constructed many bridges in the country without any controversy and if her party is elected again they would build two bridges over the Padma river. She urged people to vote for BNP in the next election to ensure development of the country. She pledged that they would solve the waterlogging problem of the port city. Khaleda also reiterated her demand for the restoration of caretaker government system and that her party would not participate in the election under any political government. The BNP chief urged everyone to join the anti-government movement which is set to begin after Ramadan. Earlier, Khaleda had distributed relief materials at Pahartali Girls High Schools and Shahid Nagor City Corporation Girls' High School among landslide and flood victims. BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam, Standing Committee member Moudud Ahmad, MK Anwar, Vice President Abdullah Al Noman, M Morshed Khan, Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor M Manjur Alam, BNP leaders Barkat Ullah, Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, Abdus Salam, Aslam Chowdhury, Jafrul Islam Chowdhury, city unit general Secretary Shahdat Hossain were present, among others.