BNP to build village-level health centers if elected: Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to set up “healthcare” centers across villages nationwide to ensure accessible medical services for all, with a focus on mothers and women, if his party forms the next government.

He made the announcement virtually during a free medical camp organized at Bagbari area under Gabtali upazila in Bogura, marking the 26th anniversary of Ziaur Rahman Foundation. Dr. Zubaida Rahman, the foundation’s vice president, was present alongside him.

Tarique Rahman said, “Every Bangladeshi has the right to healthcare. Despite our country’s size, the large population makes it challenging for government hospitals to serve everyone. We plan to establish local healthcare centers to provide medical consultation and treatment to mothers and women in villages.”

He outlined a phased approach: starting with healthy families, then upazilas (sub-districts), districts, and ultimately nationwide coverage. “If we can implement this systematically, everyone in the country will benefit,” he added.

Rahman also emphasized public-private partnerships in healthcare, noting that infrastructure built in private hospitals can be fully utilized to reach more patients. “If a hospital machine can serve 100 patients but only 50 receive care, we will ensure the remaining 50 get treatment at our cost,” he said, highlighting plans for equitable patient distribution in areas like cancer and cardiac care.

The BNP leader promised that within three to six months of forming government, all citizens could be brought under healthcare coverage. He also announced a program to empower women: “Family cards will be issued to female household members, enabling them to become financially independent, similar to farmers’ cards provided to agricultural workers.”

The medical camp, organized by Ziaur Rahman Foundation, offered diagnostic services, medication distribution, and treatments for various diseases, including heart conditions. Around 7,000 patients received medical attention during the day-long event.

Other speakers at the camp included BNP chairperson’s adviser Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, BNP media cell chief Dr. Mawdud Ahmed Almighir Pavel, ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ coordinator Atikur Rahman Ruman, former DAB president Dr. Shah Md. Shahjahan Ali, Gabtali BNP president Morshed Milton, and DAB leader Dr. Yunus Ali. The program was presided over by foundation executive director Dr. Farhad Halim Donar and hosted by anniversary committee coordinator Professor Lutfur Rahman.