Persisting road obstructions and hunger strikes persist in Barishal due to health sector reform opposition
In the heart of Barishal, the city's Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital has been a focal point of ongoing protests for the past 17 days. Led by the student group Chhatra Janata, the demonstrations began as a call for six major reforms to address systemic failures in the government hospital, such as shortages, corruption, and poor conditions [1].
The protests have been marked by increasing tensions and clashes. Hospital employees have staged simultaneous protests demanding workplace security and threatened strikes, leading to confrontations between staff and hunger-striking students. Allegations of assault on students by hospital staff have prompted interns and medical students to strike, disrupting medical services except for emergency care [2][3].
The authorities have accepted all six demands and initiated some changes, but the protesters continue to insist on the personal presence and assurance of a health adviser from the interim government before ending the movement [1]. The hospital director, Moshiur Munir, has requested three months to implement the reforms [4].
The authorities' response has been a mixture of acceptance and action. Some reforms have been underway, and the police have been involved to maintain order. However, a key figure of the reform movement, Md Suhan, was arrested, allegedly due to his involvement in recent violent incidents at the hospital [5]. The hospital leadership has urged calm and promised further discussions.
The arrest of Suhan and the alleged assaults on students have raised public concern and demands for his release and investigations into the incidents. The protests have caused severe traffic congestion, a shortage of vehicles, and growing frustration among residents [6].
The protests have seen notable figures joining the cause. Two 11th-grade students from Barishal Model School and College began a hunger strike at the main gate of the hospital, demanding a seven-point reform plan for the institution [7]. Notably, Sorowar Talukder, a local figure, was detained by protesters and handed over to the police due to a slogan he chanted that protesters claimed signalled political alignment with the Awami League [8]. Talukder has since apologised for any unintentional offence.
The protests aim to reform Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and the wider healthcare system. Sabbir Hossain, a student protester, stated that they have been protesting for a long time to reform the country's health sector, but the authorities have yet to engage in any discussion with them [9]. Sabbir Hossain warned that the protest would escalate if their demands are ignored. He also accused the government of intimidating protesters using police and military forces [10].
On the given day, protesters blocked the Dhaka-Barishal Highway at Nathullabad bus terminal and occupied the city's Sadar Road, causing further disruption [11]. Talukder concluded a speech in solidarity with the movement by chanting "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu." [12]
The protests highlight the deep-rooted challenges in Bangladesh’s public health sector in Barishal and the complex dynamics between students, hospital staff, and government authorities amid calls for reform. The authorities are urged to act promptly to address these issues and end the public hardship.
References:
- The Daily Star
- Bangla Tribune
- Prothom Alo
- The Financial Express
- Dhaka Tribune
- The Independent
- The Business Standard
- The New Age
- The Daily Observer
- The Financial Express
- The Daily Star
- The Independent
- Amidst the ongoing protests, politics has entered the fray as Notably, Sorowar Talukder, a local figure, was detained by protesters and charged for allegedly signaling political alignment with the Awami League, fueling debates about freedom of speech in the heart of health-and-wellness reform demonstrations.
- The general-news media has reported that the protests at Barishal's Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, initially rooted in concerns over science and healthcare, have now evolved into a battleground of demands for systemic change, with calls for government accountability and transparency echoing louder with each passing day.
