BNP National Executive Committee Member Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah has said that the “fascist Awami League destroyed not only the health sector but also the sports arena.”
He made the remarks on Friday while attending two separate programs as the chief guest: the inauguration of a free medical camp at Kashipur Bazar in Barishal city in the morning, organized on the occasion of BNP’s founding anniversary, and a prize-giving ceremony at a sports competition in the afternoon at the BTAC field adjacent to Barishal University in Char Kauwa union, organized by local BNP leaders and activists.
Rahmatullah said that although ensuring quality healthcare is a constitutional responsibility of the state, it has not yet been fulfilled. “During the rule of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, people were guaranteed quality treatment and received full services, which helped the country move forward. But after Sheikh Hasina came to power, healthcare was turned into a center of plunder on partisan considerations,” he alleged.
He further said that under the guise of healthcare, thousands of crores of taka were looted without purchasing necessary medical equipment, and government hospitals were turned into Awami League party offices.
“We could not do any service work for 17 years. This free medical camp has been organized at the directive of our national leader Tarique Rahman. If people give BNP the opportunity to form the next government, then the children of this country will not need to go abroad—they will develop the country themselves,” he added.
He assured that, in line with BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan, if BNP gets the chance to rebuild the state, those responsible for corruption in the health sector will be brought to justice. “The state will ensure 100% medical services at its own expense for people who cannot afford treatment,” he said.
Turning to sports, Rahmatullah accused the Awami League of politicizing the sector as well. “During Sheikh Hasina’s rule, sports were run on partisan considerations, causing the youth to lose interest. Government sports institutions were turned into dens for the misdeeds of Chhatra League and Jubo League,” he said.
He also claimed that many talented players were deprived of opportunities due to partisan favoritism. He pledged that if BNP comes to power, initiatives will be taken to encourage the youth to engage in genuine physical exercise and sports.
The free medical camp was presided over by Golam Kibria Munna, former Member Secretary of Ward No. 29 BNP. Among others present were Zahidul Rahman Ripon (Member, Barishal Metropolitan BNP), Kazi Shahidul Islam (Former Councilor, Ward No. 29), Nurul Islam Selim (Convener, Ward No. 29 Jubo Dal), Milon Chowdhury (Joint Convener, Metropolitan Swechchhasebak Dal), Sajal Kazi (Vice President, District Chhatra Dal), Obaidul Islam Ujjal (Vice President, Metropolitan Chhatra Dal), and labor leader Kamal Uddin. Doctors Atik and Srijon of Barishal DAB conducted the camp, where several hundred patients from Wards 28, 29, and 30 received services on the first day.
Meanwhile, the sports competition was presided over by Mamun Sardar Gani, former convener of Char Kauwa Union BNP. Former Joint Convener of Sadar Upazila Chhatra Dal Rahat Talukder attended as the inaugurator. Also present were District Chhatra Dal Vice President Asif Al Mamun, Ilyas Ahmed, and leaders and activists from different levels of BNP.
