LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam on Monday said the work of the Padma Bridge would not have been completed in two decades had the World Bank provided funding for the country's largest infrastructure.
If the World Bank had financed the project, they would have had to follow their wishes, the minister said, adding that the global lending agency could impose its opinions on Bangladesh in the name of design changes and technical problems, leading to a waste of time.
The minister was speaking at a book launching ceremony as the chief guest at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
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The book authored by Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen highlights Bangladesh's successes in the last 50 years and the potential to grow further.
"Bangladesher Ponchash: Safollo O Sombhabona (50 Years of Bangladesh: Successes and Potentials)," published by Zhumzhumi Prokashon, contains 23 write-ups – 18 articles in Bangla and five in English.
The book was dedicated to the author's elder brother and former finance minister late AMA Muhith.
Tazul said the "wonderful book" will inspire people from all generations and congratulated the author on writing it.
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He said there are people who do not want to acknowledge the achievements of the country but the fact is that many countries are following Bangladesh noting its incredible growth.
At the event, Momen encouraged all to keep writing to let future generations know (about what is happening), noting that only this will remain though they will all have to leave this earth one day.
Bangladesh Public Service Commission member and Dhaka University Prof Dr Delwar Hossain and AB Bank President and Managing Director Tarique Afzal also spoke at the programme.
