Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday vowed to complete the much-talked-awaited Padma Bridge before 2018.

"We have launched the work on the 6.15-kilometer bridge through our own funding, and relevant works have already been finished. There would be our efforts to complete the bridge before 2018," the PM said.

The premier made the remarks while replying to a supplementary raised by independent lawmaker Rustam Ali Farazi in her question-answer session in the Jatiya Sangsad.

Hasina, also the Leader of the House, said her government wants to give shape the bridge as a world class one.

"We want to set an example in the world by constructing the bridge," she said.

Hasina said the double-decked bridge has also a provision of plying trains and the rail line would go up to Mongla Port and the under-construction Paira Bandar in Patuakhali would also get its benefit.

Highlighting the background of construction of the bridge, the PM said her previous government during its tenure from 1996-2001 had carried out a feasibility study on the project.

The PM said after assuming office in 2009, the last Awami League government took initiative again to construct the bridge.

"As per our initiatives some international organisations like World Bank, ADB, JICA came forward for financing. But due to provocation of some persons, the donor agencies suspended the

funding for alleged 'conspiracy' of graft," she said.

"At that time, an obscure situation was created and I challenged that no corruption took place in the process of construction of the bridge," she said.

BBN/ANS/AD-04June14-9:00pm (BST)