Opposition Leader and Jamaat‑e‑Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said the closure of Ad‑Din Medical College Hospital has left the future of about 750 medical students and an equal number of nursing students in serious uncertainty.
“No one can become a doctor or nurse merely by reading books. Practical training and patients are essential,” he said.
He urged the government to reopen the hospital immediately, both on humanitarian and logical grounds, to safeguard the future of the students, while also investigating any weaknesses and punishing those responsible.
The opposition leader was speaking in parliament on Monday during the budget discussion for the 2026‑27 fiscal year, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
He also noted that many foreign students study in private medical colleges, generating significant remittance for the country. Sudden closures and instability damage Bangladesh’s international image and discourage foreign students from coming. He therefore strongly urged the government to reopen the hospital quickly.
Shafiqur also stressed transforming the health sector into a humanitarian and “missionary” model. He praised the talent of Bangladeshi doctors but criticised regulatory bodies for being strict with private hospitals and medical colleges while remaining inactive regarding government institutions.
Major crimes or negligence in the public sector often go unpunished and urged the government to treat both sectors equally, he added.
He also criticised the proposed budget for lacking special initiatives to honour or build confidence among expatriates, who are the driving force of the economy. He reiterated his proposal for a special all‑party task force from parliament to address global and domestic crises faced by expatriates.
Malaysia labour market
The Jamaat chief condemned severe irregularities in Malaysia’s labour market, noting that while the official migration cost was Tk85,000, syndicates extorted Tk600,000–700,000 from each worker.
He said the chain is stripping young people of their assets and urged the government to dismantle it firmly. He also thanked the prime minister for efforts to free Bangladeshi workers jailed in Malaysia due to brokers and demanded punishment for the real culprits.
Recognition for July fighters
On political issues, he praised the state recognition of the heroes of the July uprising and proposed expanding it further.
He urged a logical increase in allowances for all freedom fighters, not just those with titles. Recalling the 28 October 2023 Paltan tragedy, he demanded justice for victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and political persecution over the past 17 and a half years.
PM’s China talks on Teesta project
The Leader of the Opposition congratulated the prime minister and water resources minister for advancing discussions with China on the Teesta mega project.
He said Bangladeshis are not beggars for names but for work, and politicians should chase work rather than personal recognition.
Shafiqur called for erasing past shame, division, and inequality to build a new, prosperous, and heroic Bangladesh that fulfils the aspirations of the youth.
