Clashes and vandalism strike Dhaka National Medical, Suhrawardy colleges
The students alleged medical malpractice and irregularities behind Abhijit's death
In a series of violent incidents in Dhaka, students and outsiders clashed over two separate events on Sunday, resulting in significant damage and the suspension of academic activities.
At the Dhaka National Medical College and Hospital (DNMCH) in Old Dhaka, students from Dr Mahbubur Rahman Molla College vandalised the main gate of the hospital, alleging medical malpractice and irregularities in the treatment of 18-year-old student Abhijit Halder, who died while undergoing treatment.
According to media reports, the protest began around 1pm, with students armed with sticks gathering in front of the hospital. Additional police forces were deployed to maintain law and order, while army personnel were seen inside the hospital gate attempting to calm the agitated students.
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"A student named Abhijit Halder was brought to the emergency department of the hospital on 16 November morning. After examinations, he was diagnosed with dengue fever and subsequently admitted to the medicine department, where he received the necessary treatment," said Dr Rezaul Haque, Deputy Director (Administration) of Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital.
"During treatment, his condition worsened, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit [ICU] after obtaining permission from his guardian and consulting with specialists."
Despite all medical efforts and specialist intervention, Abhijit died on 18 November, he added.
Dr Rezaul further said the hospital authorities had completed the necessary procedures to hand over Abhijit's body to his relatives and had suspended all billing following his death.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out at Suhrawardy College the same day around 2:00pm, where students of Suhrawardy and Kabi Nazrul Colleges, along with outsiders, engaged in violent confrontations.
The situation escalated as students from Kabi Nazrul and Suhrawardy Colleges retreated, allowing the outsiders to enter Suhrawardy College. The assailants targeted cars, classrooms, and offices, leading to extensive vandalism.
At the time, Kabi Nazrul College students were taking a first-year honours history exam at Suhrawardy College. The examination, which started at 12:30pm, was suspended for security reasons after two hours.
Mufti, a student from Kabi Nazrul College, recalled hearing the sounds of vandalism after about an hour and a half into the exam. "At 2:30 pm, the teachers informed us that the examination had been suspended," he said.
A student named Mamun alleged that during the first-year honours examination at Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul College, students from Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College (DMRC), Dhaka City College, Dhanmondi Ideal College, Donia College, and other institutions attacked and vandalised the campuses as a show of solidarity with the students involved in the clashes.
