Barishal Health Sector protest enters 14th day, highway blockade sparks clashes with security forces

A citywide demonstration in Barishal protesting alleged mismanagement in the health sector, including at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, entered its 14th consecutive day today (10 August), with scuffles breaking out between demonstrators and security forces.

Organised under the banner of Chhatra Janata, protesters have also been enforcing a road blockade for the past four days, pressing a three-point demand aimed at ending patient suffering, harassment, and alleged corruption in government hospitals.

At around 11am, they blocked the Dhaka–Barishal Highway at Nathullabad, chanting slogans against irregularities in the health sector and halting traffic between Barishal and six southern districts. 

Vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway for hours, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. 

Tensions escalated when army personnel and police reportedly attempted to disperse the gathering, leading to verbal altercations and physical confrontations. Protesters resisted efforts by law enforcement to clear the road, triggering further clashes. 

Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Metropolitan Airport Police Station, Zakir Hossain Sikdar, said police were stationed at Nathullabad "to ensure public order." 

"They didn't want us to sit at Nathullabad," said protester Sabbir Hossain.

Fellow protester Mohiuddin Rony said they had apologised to the public for the temporary disruption but pledged to continue their agitation until reforms in the health sector were implemented. 

Demonstrators allege that a long-standing syndicate within government hospitals is depriving patients of proper treatment, while facilities at Barishal Medical College remain inadequate and understaffed. They are demanding the dismantling of such syndicates across the country.

On Saturday, protesters had also clashed with bus workers during the blockade.