They also demanded that the government inaugurate the bridge by today. Otherwise, the opposition will open it by holding a rally there, they warned.

Four months have elapsed after the completion of the bridge, but the prime minister could not make time to open the bridge, the lawmakers from southern districts told a press conference in the city.

"It's a matter of regret that people are being deprived of benefits from the bridge as the prime minister could not make time to open it in the last four months," said Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim MP, also a presidium member of the AL.

"We, the elected representatives from the southern region, strongly demand the government open the bridge immediately, which was originally planned during the previous Awami League government," he said.

Although nobody is allowed to cross the bridge before its formal opening, the prime minister's son along with his companions used the bridge during their recent visit to the southern districts, Selim said.

"If they can, what's is the wrong with the general people using the bridge?" he asked.

AL leaders Kazi Zafrullah MP, Syed Abul Hossain MP, Col (Rtd) Faruq Khan MP, Col (Retd.) Shakhawat Ali MP, Shahjahan Khan MP and Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury MP were present at the press conference held at the party's Dhanmondi office.