Prime Minister Khalada Zia will inaugurate the bridge soon, but the schedule is yet to be fixed, official sources said.

The 260-metre bridge built at a cost of Tk 22.3 crore has been named Chandpur Natun Bazar Puran Bazar Sangjog Shetu. Awami League government which laid its foundation had proposed its name as Abdul Awal Shetu.

The bridge will open Chandpur's direct road link with Raipur, Laxmipur, Shariatpur, Faridpur and other districts in the area and boost trade and commerce, local people said. Roads and Highways Department (R&D) engineer Ziaul Haider said finishing touches are being given ahead of its inauguration, possibly within a month.

Construction of a bridge on the Dakatia river in the town was an election pledge of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina when she was Leader of the Opposition during the previous BNP government.

Voted to power, the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation of the bridge on November 28, 1999.