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Editorial

Blanket immunity to WB

We urge the government to drop the idea
15 September 2004
• EDITORIAL
We are not opposed to the idea of the WB getting its due privileges and facilities as a development partner. But what we certainly cannot endorse is why Bangladesh should be treated differently from other member states of this global institution. Why this special demand? Under the present agreement, and in accordance with WB's own "Articles of Agreement" this multilateral body already enjoys all the privileges that it needs to function smoothly. What is it that singles out Bangladesh as a country where the WB needs to be above the law? The WB has not been able to state why it needs such immunity and why it is making such a demand on us, and not others. The government has also refrained from clarifying why it has become imperative to offer special and exceptional immunity to this particular multilateral organisation.

The pitfalls associated with the move must not be overlooked. The moment such immunity is granted to one multilateral organisation, Bangladesh will have no moral or legal ground to refuse it to others.

The fulfilment of the demand will put the WB operations above the law. It is not clear how a self-respecting country could acquiesce in it.

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We are really appalled by the pliant nature of the government's response to this unacceptable and demeaning nature of the WB demand. We urge the government to spare the nation the disgrace of buckling under the pressure of an unreasonable demand. The decision makers should pay due attention to the international norms and practices that form the basis of a sovereign nation's handling of matters related to multilateral organisations. What makes the point quite curious is that "sovereignty" is a favourite word of the present BNP-led alliance government. How come it becomes a non-issue in this case? It is our belief that the cabinet and the PM have not been sufficiently briefed about the implications of this bill. We seriously suggest a reconsideration of it.

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