Why Are Protesters Blocking the Dhaka Highway Over Health Sector Issues?
Synopsis
Protesters in Bangladesh are making headlines by blocking the Dhaka-Barishal highway, demanding an end to syndicates and corruption in the health sector. Their actions highlight serious issues affecting patient care and hospital administration, reflecting a growing discontent that has persisted for 17 days. What are their demands, and how will this impact the health sector?
Key Takeaways
Protesters are demanding urgent reforms in the health sector.
The blockade has lasted for 17 days, indicating deep-rooted issues.
Traffic has been severely affected, leading to police intervention.
Students are participating in hunger strikes to amplify their demands.
The health advisor has not yet addressed the protesters' concerns.
Dhaka, Aug 12 (NationPress) In a bold move, dozens of protesters have taken to the streets to demand an end to syndicates and irregularities in the health sector of Bangladesh. They blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway near the Nothullabad bus terminal and Sadar Road in Barishal city on Tuesday, voicing their three-point demands.
This blockade resulted in significant traffic congestion, causing considerable inconvenience for commuters. To alleviate the situation, police rerouted a majority of vehicles through alternative paths as traffic came to a standstill on both sides, according to United News of Bangladesh (UNB). The protests have persisted for the past 17 days, focusing on necessary reforms within the health sector.
In addition to the highway blockade, several students initiated an indefinite hunger strike at 11 a.m. local time outside the main entrance of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, calling for changes in the hospital administration.
During a press conference, protest leader Mohiuddin Rony declared that the Barishal blockade would remain in effect. He asserted, "We will not leave the streets until our three-point demands to eliminate mismanagement, patient harassment, and syndicate practices in all government hospitals nationwide are addressed."
Rony mentioned that a 24-hour ultimatum was given to the health advisor on Sunday to personally visit Sher-e-Bangla Medical Hospital to investigate the irregularities and corruption, as well as provide definitive assurances regarding the demands. Unfortunately, the ultimatum expired without a response, prompting the enforcement of the blockade due to the health adviser's absence in Barishal.
During the blockade, police redirected traffic from Kuakata to Nabgram Road and Kashipur Choumatha. This alternative route added an additional 10 kilometers to travelers' journeys, but helped mitigate lengthy traffic jams.
"Students persist in blocking the highway and Sadar Road while raising their three-point demands. The law and order situation remains stable," reported Zakir Hossain Sikder, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Airport Police Station.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the frustrations expressed by the protesters regarding the health sector. Their demands for reform resonate with widespread concerns about patient care and hospital management. While disruption is never ideal, the ongoing protests reveal significant issues that must be addressed for the betterment of public health in Bangladesh.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesters?
The protesters are demanding an end to syndicates and irregularities in the health sector, focusing on issues such as mismanagement and patient harassment in government hospitals.
How long have the protests been going on?
The protests have been ongoing for 17 days, with participants expressing their discontent over the health sector's current state.
What actions have the police taken in response to the blockade?
The police have redirected traffic through alternative routes to alleviate the congestion caused by the blockade on the highway.
Is there any response from the health advisor regarding the protesters' demands?
As of now, the health advisor has not responded to the ultimatum given by the protesters, which has led to the continuation of the blockade.
What impact is this protest having on local traffic?
The blockade has caused major traffic jams, significantly inconveniencing commuters and prompting police to implement alternative routes.
