MP’s ‘Supreme Authority’ Remark Sparks Debate

A controversial statement by Mufti Amir Hamza, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3, has stirred discussion across the district after he declared, “There is no higher authority in Kushtia now — I am the authority.”

The remarks were made on Thursday (26 February) while speaking to journalists following a meeting with officials at Kushtia Medical College. Addressing concerns about alleged irregularities and corruption in public services, the MP warned that anyone attempting dishonest dealings should be told that he would personally oversee the matter. He suggested that individuals involved in financial misconduct would be held accountable, adding that he would “see who truly exercises power in Kushtia.”

While some supporters interpreted his comments as a declaration of firm leadership against corruption, critics argued that the tone of the statement was unusually forceful for a public representative and risked being misunderstood.

Focus on Healthcare Development

The meeting itself centred on the development and operational challenges of Kushtia Medical College, an institution regarded locally as a symbol of regional pride and aspiration. Mufti Amir Hamza described the college as “an emotional cornerstone” for residents of Kushtia, emphasising the pressing need to expand services and strengthen infrastructure.

Currently, only a limited number of departments are fully operational at the college. As a result, patients requiring specialised treatment are often referred to larger medical facilities in Rajshahi or Dhaka, placing both financial and logistical burdens on families. The MP assured attendees that within seven days there would be “good news” regarding improvements at the institution, although he did not elaborate on the specifics.

Present at the meeting were Iqbal Hossain, the District Commissioner, and Dr Shahidul Islam, Principal of the medical college, alongside other senior officials. Discussions reportedly covered staffing shortages, expansion of clinical departments, and the need for enhanced diagnostic facilities.

Current Status and Prospects

Below is a summary of the institution’s present condition and anticipated developments:

Local residents have long advocated for the introduction of advanced services such as cardiology, paediatrics, and an intensive care unit. Healthcare analysts note that strengthening regional medical colleges is essential to reducing pressure on urban hospitals and improving equitable access to care.

Political Reactions

Political observers suggest that the MP’s comments may have been intended to signal a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and administrative inefficiency. However, they also stress that public communication by elected representatives requires measured language to avoid controversy.

As anticipation builds over the promised announcement, attention now turns to whether tangible improvements will follow the rhetoric. For many in Kushtia, meaningful investment in healthcare infrastructure would represent not merely administrative progress, but a fulfilment of longstanding expectations.