Are Striking Doctors in Bangladesh Demanding Safety and Justice?
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Synopsis
Intern doctors from Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital are protesting for safety and justice after violent attacks on their colleagues. Their ongoing strike affects all non-emergency medical services, highlighting a broader crisis in healthcare. Will their demands for safety be met, and what implications could this have for the healthcare system in Bangladesh?
Key Takeaways
- Intern doctors' protests highlight safety concerns.
- Emergency services continue under police protection.
- Hospital staff demand justice for recent attacks.
- Public health services are at risk due to ongoing strike.
- Urgent action required to ensure healthcare worker safety.
Dhaka, Aug 19 (NationPress) A group of intern doctors from Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barisal district, Bangladesh, have entered the third day of their protest on Tuesday, seeking safe working conditions and the apprehension of those responsible for a recent attack on their colleagues.
During the strike, all medical services, apart from emergency care, have been halted, causing distress among patients and their families at the largest hospital in the district, according to local media.
The protests commenced on Sunday when doctors, medical students, and staff at SBMCH accused a faction of anti-discrimination students of assaulting them within the hospital premises. The attack, attributed to activists from the so-called 'Healthcare Reform Movement', resulted in injuries to 11 medical staff members, including a medical officer named Dilip Kumar.
Shakhawat Hossain Saikat, President of the Mid-Level Doctors Association of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, stated, “Despite the ongoing strike, we have managed to provide emergency medical services. At the Director's request, our doctors are active both indoors and outdoors. However, if there is no security, how can we continue to work?”
Hospital Director AKM Mashiul Munir noted, “Emergency services are functioning normally. Following the attack, doctors initially left their posts in fear. Eventually, emergency medical services resumed under police protection. We are currently in discussions to resolve the situation and are hopeful that intern doctors will return to work soon.”
However, Munir cautioned that if the attackers are not apprehended, the hospital's situation could quickly worsen.
On Monday, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff stood in solidarity by forming a human chain at the hospital, demanding the arrest of the students involved in the assault, and issued a 48-hour ultimatum for legal action against the perpetrators.
During the event, Abdul Monayem Sad, General Secretary of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Barisal, emphasized the critical need for staff safety, stating, “We are operating under hazardous conditions. For the benefit of the public, we will continue to provide medical care for the next 48 hours. If the attackers are not apprehended by then, we will cease services altogether.”
Bangladesh has been engulfed in a wave of protests and increasing lawlessness since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took power last year.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the legitimate concerns raised by the intern doctors at SBMCH. Their demands for safety and justice in the workplace reflect a broader issue within the healthcare system in Bangladesh. It is imperative that the government take immediate action to ensure the security of healthcare professionals to maintain public trust and safety.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the intern doctors protesting for?
The intern doctors are protesting for safe working conditions and the arrest of individuals who attacked their colleagues.
How many days have the protests been ongoing?
The protests have been ongoing for three consecutive days.
What impact has the strike had on medical services?
The strike has led to the suspension of all non-emergency medical services, causing distress among patients.
What did the hospital director say about the situation?
The hospital director expressed hope for a resolution but warned that the situation could worsen if the attackers are not arrested.
What ultimatum did the doctors give regarding the attackers?
The doctors formed a human chain and issued a 48-hour ultimatum for legal action against the attackers.
