Quader: WB must make its stance clear

“World Bank has to clarify to us its stance and the allegations they raised against Padma Bridge project, which has now been proved false and baseless by a Canadian court,” Quader said at an event in the city on Wednesday. “We are seriously reconsidering whether we should receive anymore funds from the bank for the country’s development.” “We are a nation of heroes not thieves,” he added, saying that 40% of the Padma Bridge project has already been completed and it was not only a bridge but a source of pride and prestige for the country. The discussion, organised by Awami League at the Public Library was titled “Tannery relocation, protection of environment and national development.” Speakers at the event said tannery relocation plans have failed to progress, causing harm to the environment as well as the industry. Keynote speaker Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, dean of earth and environment science faculty at Dhaka University, said pollution from the tannery industry in capital's Hazaribagh area had become dangerous for human and other life and it could even affect future generations. “The central treatment plant in Savar is still not ready. It does not have a solid waste management option there and the dumping ground is not managed properly,” he said. Bangladesh has one of five fastest growing tannery industries in the world, its products are valued in the world and the industry makes 1.13% of the GDP, he said, adding that the industry needed attention because it is threatening the environment. Prof Dr M Habibur Rahman, the chairman of Dhaka WASA, admitted the limitations and said the government was trying to fix the issues. The road transport minister said that since the High Court's order the government had been taking preparation to relocate the industry to Savar.