News Flash
RANGPUR, April 19, 2025 (BSS) - People from all walks of life formed a human
chain here demanding the construction of the proposed international standard
1,000-bed China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital in the char area on the Teesta
riverbanks.
The human chain was organized under the non-political banner of the 'Teesta
Unnayan Forum, Rangpur' at 3 pm on Saturday in the Mohipur Teesta Bridge area
of Gangachara upazila in the district.
Local BNP and other political, social and professional organizations,
students from dozens of educational institutions and commoners participated
in the 7-kilometer-long human chain from Kakina side of the Teesta Bridge to
Burirhat in solidarity.
Participants, including children, students and youth, held placards and
festoons in their hands. The sight of the children forming the human chain
overwhelmed everyone present and aroused a huge response among the locals.
The organizers said that this symbolic participation is very significant in
ensuring healthcare for future generations.
The speakers at the human chain said that if the proposed hospital is
implemented, there will be a revolutionary change in the healthcare system of
the entire northern region, including all eight districts of greater Rangpur
division.
While participating in the human chain program, Abdul Alim Pramanik, convener
of Gangachara Upazila Press Club, said that this hospital is a historic
opportunity for Gangachara upazila.
"An advanced hospital is not just a treatment centre; it will be a meeting
place for knowledge, research and humanity too," he commented.
Hanif Khan Sajib, member of the Central Higher Council of the Gono Odhikar
Parishad, said that when India has stopped medical visas, our country has no
alternative to developing a world-class medical system on its own.
"This hospital will be a milestone and beginning for a self-reliant
Bangladesh in all respects, including the health service sector," he said.
Moulana Nayebuzzaman, Amir of Gangachara Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, said, "If
this proposed hospital is implemented, the backward people of the char region
will get advanced medical services."
"This initiative is a great example of human welfare from the perspective of
Islam. We will provide all-out support for implementation of the China-
Bangladesh Friendship Hospital in the Teesta's char area," he said.
Gangachara Upazila BNP President Chand Sarkar said, "We are in favor of this
project regardless of party or opinion. This is not a political issue; it is
the right of the people. This hospital is essential for improved medical
services."
Loal Laksmitari Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi said the
establishment of an international standard hospital in the char area has been
a long-standing demand of the people of this region.
"If this project is implemented, healthcare, employment and economic progress
will accelerate in the whole area."
He proposed the Char Kalagachhi area adjacent to the Mohipur Teesta Bridge in
Laxsmitari Union of Gangachara as the appropriate site for construction of
the hospital.
"There is about 29 acres of vacant government Khas land here, which is
suitable for the construction of the main building of the hospital, helipad,
training center, housing and research laboratory," he opined.
Gangachara Upazila BNP former Convener Wahiduzzaman Mabu said that China is a
long-time tested friend of Bangladesh.
"So, we strongly demand the establishment of the proposed hospital in
Laksmitari Union of Gangachara upazila to improve the health, employment and
quality of life of the local residents of the neglected and river-eroded
Teesta region" he said.
