The Jamaat-e-Islami leader at the heart of a cash-for-vote scandal in Saidpur has reportedly suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Belal Uddin Pradhan, the chief of Thakurgaon district Jamaat unit, was detained at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari, with Tk 7.4 million on Wednesday morning.

He is currently undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Sohela Parvin, nursing in charge of the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit, said he was admitted on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said Belal arrived in Saidpur at 10:55am on a US-Bangla Airlines flight.

The Jamaat leader was questioned about the source of the money and its intended use.

He claimed the cash was meant for business purposes but failed to provide any supporting documents, according to police.

Belal was taken by ambulance to Saidpur 100‑Bed Hospital before being transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

“Initially, it appears he has suffered a heart attack. He is currently under observation,” said Azharul Islam, who is a senior cardiologist at Rangpur Community Medical College and Hospital.

The doctor added that the Jamaat leader was still not “out of danger".

Jamaat’s Rangpur Metropolitan Secretary KM Anwarul Haque Kajal claimed that the Jamaat leader was carrying the money with proper endorsement and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the administration or airport authorities.

“Belal is an elderly man, and he was involved in business as well,” said Anwarul.

“He was detained at Saidpur Airport for unknown reasons, and an attempt is being made to create an unstable situation or disrupt the peaceful environment,” he added.