Jamaat Chief Promises International Status for Saidpur Airport, Medical Colleges in All Districts

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has pledged to upgrade Saidpur Airport to international status and establish government medical colleges in every district if his party comes to power.

He made the announcement while addressing a public rally at the Thakurgaon District School ground on Thursday (January 23), ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Shafiqur highlighted the agricultural potential of northern Bangladesh, saying improved transport and export facilities are essential for the region’s development.

Describing northern Bangladesh as the country’s future “agricultural capital,” he said an international airport in Saidpur would allow direct export of vegetables and fruits from districts such as Thakurgaon and Dinajpur to markets in the Middle East and Europe. This, he said, would boost employment and support agro-based industries.

He also promised to establish modern cold storage facilities across the region to preserve perishable crops and ensure fair prices for farmers.

Turning to healthcare, the Jamaat chief said Bangladesh’s medical system remains heavily dependent on Dhaka, placing excessive pressure on hospitals in the capital.

“Many districts still do not have access to modern healthcare services,” he said.

Shafiqur pledged to build government medical colleges and specialised hospitals in every district to reduce pressure on Dhaka and bring quality healthcare closer to people’s homes.