A Malaysian delegation arrived in Dhaka yesterday to submit its final draft agreement with a proposal to construct Padma Bridge. Led by Malaysian Special Envoy to India and South Asia Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, the delegation will hand over the draft copy to Communications Minister Obaidul Quader at his secretariat office today.
The delegation is also expected to visit the site.
Malaysia expressed its interest in financing Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure project after the World Bank cancelled its pledged $1.2 billion fund.
As per the MoU previously agreed upon, the project will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) on a build, operate, own and transfer model.
The project is to be undertaken by a Malaysian company, which will form a joint venture with a leading foreign construction entity, the source said without naming the companies concerned.
According to the source, the Malaysian proposal had been revised twice. The final proposal has been drafted to ensure a win-win situation for both countries.
“It is now up to the Bangladesh government. The Malaysian side has taken into account all aspects, including the requests of the Bangladesh government, in the final proposal.
