Bangladesh cancels Chinese road construction project over corruption issues

Dhaka Jan 24: In a major shock to China Bangladesh has canceled a road construction project with a major Chinese company. The Government had canceled the building of the Dhaka Sylhet highway after charges of attempting to bribe Bangladeshi officials have emerged and the government has blacklisted the firm from participating in any future ventures.

Bangladeshi Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said that "China Harbor Engineering Co., Ltd. (CHEC) has been blacklisted by the government of Bangladesh for bribing government officials and will not be allowed to participate in any future construction projects in Bangladesh."

Earlier the company has undertaken some well-known projects, including Pakistan's Gwadar Port and Sri Lanka's Hanbatota Port. The FM has added that " the company was found bribing newly-appointed director of the Bangladesh Highway Transport and Bridges Department for the purpose of diverting project funds and about 5 million Taka Bangladesh (about $ 60,000) were offered to him."