On Sunday, doctors in Bangladesh commenced a nationwide strike across both public and private hospitals following an assault on medical professionals at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), stemming from allegations of negligence that allegedly resulted in a student’s death on Saturday night. The striking doctors are demanding immediate legal and punitive action against those responsible for the assault, as well as assurances of safety in their workplaces before they resume duties.
Health professionals across the country unified in this protest, announcing an indefinite shutdown of medical services starting September 1, unless their four main demands are addressed. These demands include the prompt arrest of the individuals involved in the assault and enhanced security at all healthcare facilities, through the deployment of armed “health police.”
The protesters, who were vocal at a media briefing held on the DMCH premises, emphasized the urgency of their demands, stating, “The sooner they accept our demand, the better. We will start giving treatment as soon as our demands are met.” Nurses have shown solidarity with the doctors by also refusing to work during the strike.
Responding to concerns about potential fatalities due to the lack of treatment during the strike, the doctors held the administration accountable for any such outcomes.
The striking medical professionals stressed that patient care negligence should be addressed through proper complaints and legal channels, rather than through personal vendettas or violence. They firmly stated, “Under no circumstances should individuals take the law into their own hands.”
This industrial action by Bangladesh’s medical community follows recent turbulent political events, such as the quota reform protests which ultimately led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
