AL for ADB-style immunity for WB
Jalil tells Wallich
Staff Correspondent
The Awami League (AL) yesterday told the World Bank (WB) that it has no objection to the Bank's getting immunity in Bangladesh provided it is similar to the one extended to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 1973. WB Country Director Christine I Wallich yesterday met AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil to know his party's position on the proposed bill on granting immunity to the Bank. The World Bank Immunity Bill 2004 was placed in parliament on October 31 amid widespread criticism by the opposition political parties, civil society and rights groups. The AL lawmakers in parliament protested the bill and said it is against the constitution and fundamental rights of people. "I have pointed out my party's position on the proposed bill and she (Wallich) is satisfied with our explanation," Jalil told The Daily Star last night after the meeting held at his Gulshan residence. The 1973 immunity given to the ADB bars the state from prosecuting the bank or its staff. However, it does not give immunity to the bank from legal proceedings by individuals. The proposed bill bars individuals from seeking legal help against the WB. The AL at a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on finance ministry on November 27 demanded revision of the bill so that the institution enjoys immunity from judicial proceeding by the state only, not individuals.
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