Padma Bridge will hugely benefit the Bangladesh economy, said Rupali Chowdhury, former president of leading trade body Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"It is a great honour and joy for us to be involved in such a big project," she said in her immediate reactions to The Daily Star after the opening of the bridge today.

The managing director of Berger Paints Bangladesh, Chowdhury also thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her courageous step in implementing such a big project.

"It has uplifted the image of the country. We are very proud of it," Chowdhury said.

It obviously will help the local businesses in the country's southern region to be flourished, she said.

"If we think about agricultural products, the bridge will also help boost the market. If we can develop ecosystem for all industries, then it will bring benefit," Chowdhury said.

Constructed at a cost of Tk 30,193 crore from the country's own fund, the 6.15-kilometre bridge has connected the southwestern region with the rest of the country.