BSMMU postgrad doctors call off protest as VC promises resolution

The postgraduate doctors of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) have called off their protest after Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed assured them that their demand for an increase in the monthly allowance will be addressed.

He requested the protesting doctors to grant him some time to resolve the matter.

During a meeting held on Tuesday at 2pm, the BSMMU VC expressed his intention to discuss the doctors' demands with the health minister and the secretary in order to find a solution to their problem.

However, the VC also cautioned the postgraduate doctors about the consequences of continuing with their protest. 

He explained that according to the university's regulations, students who fail to attend classes for three consecutive days may face expulsion.

Earlier at 11am in the morning, the postgraduate doctors laid siege to the office of BSMMU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed after being barred from meeting the VC to press home their demand to increase the monthly allowance. 

The agitating doctors gathered at the BSMMU premises around 10am to protest insufficient allowance and the hassle they face in this regard.

At around 11am, a scuffle with security guards ensued when the post-graduate trainee doctors initiated to meet the VC.

One of the protesters, wishing anonymity, told The Business Standard that they were holding the pre-announced rally peacefully but they had to besiege the VC office after the security guards used force to stop them from entering the VC office.

Last week, postgraduate doctors issued an ultimatum till 12 June to increase their monthly allowance and ensure timely payment.

The doctors argue that the current monthly allowance of Tk20,000 is inadequate and should be raised to Tk50,000 to align with market rates. Besides, they claimed that the payment of non-resident doctors has not been regular and they go through a lot of hassle at the ministry to collect the existing allowance.    

Photo: Collected

In a written statement, they threatened to go on a nationwide strike on 13 June if their demands are not met by noon on 12 June.

Benazir Belal Khan, a postgraduate doctor at Sir Salimullah Medical College, said, "The government has a strict policy that we cannot work outside during this training period."

He explained that, as a result, the doctors cannot meet the cost of living with the current salary as commodity prices have gone up significantly.

Maj (retd) Abdul Wahab urged, "The government should accept their demands and help them focus on their medical services".