The World Bank (WB) Saturday said it would finance the US$2.9 billion Padma Bridge project only after a full and fair probe by the Anti-Corruption Commission into graft allegations.

"The World Bank will proceed with support for the Padma Bridge only if the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) launches a full and fair investigation based on evidence of corruption under the project," said Ms Ellen Goldstein, WB country director in a statement.

The WB Dhaka office issued the statement two days after an inconclusive meeting between the independent anti-corruption expert panel of the Washington-based lender and the ACC on the Padma Bridge graft inquiry.

During its second visit to Bangladesh last week, the expert panel noted several unresolved issues and further encouraged the ACC to follow available evidence in determining the scope of its investigation, Ms Goldstein said.

She reconfirmed that the Bank had provided extensive information to the ACC to support such an investigation.

"Following its first visit to Bangladesh, the external panel encouraged the ACC to launch a full and fair investigation based on available evidence and in full accordance with Bangladeshi law," Ms Goldstein said.

ACC sources said they sought more information from the WB external panel during the meeting last week before taking legal action against the persons suspected to have been involved in the Padma Bridge "corruption conspiracy."

The Bangladesh's anti-graft body will review the inquiry report of its investigation team based on the legal provisions of the country as it (team) has found nine persons including ex-communications minister Syed Abul Hossain involved in the Padma Bridge corruption conspiracy.

After the meeting with the WB panel Thursday, ACC legal adviser Advocate Anisul Haque said they had reached a stage through discussions with the panel. People have to wait for a few days for a decision.

Ms Goldstein in her statement said the WB external panel would issue a statement when the ACC completes its review and takes a final decision on the scope of the investigation.

News: The Daily Financial Express/Bangladesh/9th-Dec-12