The World Bank should repent before expressing its aspirations to get involved in Padma Bridge construction, said Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdury on Thursday.

Earlier, WB declined to fund the mega project by raising corruption allegations that were found baseless in an investigation by Bangladesh government.

While addressing a rally on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka organised by Krishak League, she said, “World Bank has suggested us to cut subsidy in agriculture. Should we ask them where we will give subsidy and where not? It should do sit-ups by holding its ears. When we on our self-effort have started Padma Bridge project, it expresses its desire to join the project. They also want to run investigations separately against corruptions in the project. We do not need them. What Awami League and Sheikh Hasina say, they do.”

Matia, also the presidium member of the ruling Awami League, said after BJP’s win in the Indian national elections, BNP dreamt that Narendra Modi would bring it to power.

“It is not Modi or people from abroad who bring anyone to power, rather it is the people of the country who do so,” she added

The Awami League leader also criticised BNP for their silence over the International Crimes Tribunal-1’s verdict on Jamaat-e-Islami amir Motiur Rahman Nizami.

Former food minister Abdur Razzak, among others, also addressed the rally, held with Krishak League president Motahar Hossain Molla in the chair.