In order to provide fund to Padma Bridge project, Bangladesh Bank will particularly try to build a strong foreign exchange reserve, said Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman.

“We always help government by financing imports of agriculture inputs and petroleum products. In the case of Padma bridge, it is nothing different,” the central bank governor said.

He said Bangladesh Bank would help the government meet import costs related with the project, if needed.

Dr Rahman was replying to the journalists’ queries after announcing monetary policy statement for first half of current fiscal.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced to construct Padma Bridge by local financing, after the World Bank rejected $1.2 billion loan deal fearing corruption.

She told the parliament that the government would use from foreign currency reserve, if necessary, to import construction materials for the bridge.

The Daily Sun/Bangladesh/ 19th July 2012