Dhaka: The ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance on Wednesday demanded the World Bank pay US$ one billion in compensation for delaying the start of the construction of the Padma Bridge bringing graft allegation.

Mohammad Nasim, spokesperson of the 14-party alliance, made the demand at a meeting at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s political office at Dhanmondi in Dhaka, reports BSS.

Nasim, also an Awami League presidium member, said the country has been affected badly financially due to false allegation involving the Padma Bridge funding made by the World Bank and demanded the Bank pay US$ one billon in compensation for the loss incurred due to several years’ delay in starting the project.

Besides, Nasim demanded the Speaker call Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and others involved in the conspiracy to stop funding the Padma Bridge project to parliamentary standing committee to explain their position.

Mohammad Nasim alleged that Muhammad Yunus took steps to influence the World Bank to stop financing the Padma Bridge.

Nasim warned that those involved in anti-state activities and falsehood campaign against the country would not be spared.

Awami League joint secretary Mahbub ul Alam Hanif, organising secretaries Ahmed Hossain and Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, office secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, workers party general secretary Fazle Hossain Badsha, Shamyabadi Dal general secretary Dilip Barua, Jatiya party secretary general Sheikh Shahidul Islam and Awami League information and research secretary Afzal Hossain were present at the meeting.