People behind Padma Bridge conspiracy should be identified: HC

The High Court (HC) on Monday said the people behind conspiracies regarding Padma Bridge should be identified as this is our national asset.

"Padma Bridge is our national asset, our pride. The people behind the conspiracy are against our development. The people, who oppose our national interest and development, are enemies of the country and the nation. They need to be identified," the court said.

A High Court division bench comprising Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo came up with the observation while holding hearing on a rule issued to form an inquiry committee or commission to identify and bring the people, to justice, who made stories of corruption over Padma Bridge Project.

Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik and Anti-Corruption (ACC) Council Khurshid Alam Khan took part in the hearing today. The court set tomorrow for passing order in this regard.

The High Court on February 15, 2017, issued a rule asking the government to reply in two weeks as to why it shall not direct to form an inquiry committee or commission.

The court had asked cabinet, law, home and communication secretaries, chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) to reply the rule within the stipulated time.

The court also asked the cabinet secretary to submit a report on the steps taken in line with the court's order to form the commission, within 30 days. The state on March 20, 2017, in a petition pleaded to allow eight weeks time to file the report, and the court granted them time till May 7.