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PATUAKHALI, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - In the upcoming 13th national elections, Khelafat Majlish candidate from Patuakhali-4 constituency Dr Zahir Uddin has promised to improve healthcare and transform Kuakata into a modern tourist centre.
He is also seeking votes with the promise of creating employment, modernising the communication system and the health sector.
The candidate of the 10-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami from Patuakhali-4 constituency, Dr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed, is an adviser to the District Khelafat Majlish. He is contesting the elections with the symbol of 'wall clock'. During the Awami League regime, he was the former chairman of Rangabali Upazila Parishad in 2019. He is a doctor by profession.
He came up with his vision and expectations about the upcoming polls in an interview with BSS Patuakhali district roaming correspondent Enamul Haque Ena.
BSS: What is your election promises for the voters of your area?
Dr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed: The first and main promise is to improve the quality of healthcare. There is a clear shortage of healthcare in Rangabali Upazila. There is currently no permanent MBBS doctor there. If I am elected, I will upgrade the 50-bed hospital to 100 beds and make arrangements to appoint necessary specialist doctors. Similarly, Kalapara Upazila Hospital will be upgraded to 100-bed one. I will ensure modern healthcare by bringing in consultant doctors in various fields including surgery, orthopedics, children and gynecology. I will take initiatives to upgrade the 20-bed hospital in Kuakata to 50-bed one.
Another big promise of mine is to transform Kuakata into an international standard tourist centre. This will attract local and foreign tourists and create massive employment opportunities. I want to build a tourism hub by connecting Jahajmara, Sonarchar and Char Hair with Kuakata. Along with this, I will provide interest-free loans to fishermen by freeing them from the Dadan system and will take initiatives to provide free fertilizers and improved seeds to farmers. In addition, there is a plan to upgrade the road from Kuakata to Banga to six lanes to improve the communication system.
BSS: What are your instructions to the leaders and activists to follow the electoral code of conduct?
Dr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed: We are following the electoral code of conduct properly. As candidate of the 10-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, I and my leaders and activists are following the code of conduct. Everyone has been instructed to conduct election activities peacefully.
BSS: What is your personal position on the July Charter and the referendum?
Dr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed: The position of my party as well as the alliance on the July Charter and referendum is clear. We want reforms, we want to restore the democratic environment of the country. That is why we are in favour of a 'Yes' vote in the referendum and we are asking all to vote in favour of reforms.
BSS: What are your expectations in the upcoming national elections?
Dr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed: My expectation is that the administration will ensure equal opportunities and a level playing field for everyone. Then I will win this seat with the people's vote, InshaAllah.
Candidates for the Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali) constituency are active in the election field. Development, communication system, employment and restoration of democracy are gaining importance as issues in this constituency, which consists of the tourist town of Kuakata, Payra port and vast river and marsh areas.
Patuakhali-4 constituency consists of Kalapara and Rangabali upazilas. As this area is geographically surrounded by rivers and seas, natural disasters, river erosion and communication problems have been a big challenge for a long time.
According to the Election Commission, the total number of voters in this constituency is 3,12, 601. Of them, 1,58,130 are male voters, 1,54,466 are female voters and 5 are third gender voters. This constituency is considered one of the most important constituencies in the district in terms of the number of voters.
BNP candidate Alhaj ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Mostafizur Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami-led 10-party alliance’s Khelafat Majlish candidate Dr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed and Gana Adhikar Parishad leader Md Rabiul Hasan are contesting in the elections from this constituency.
