Protesters in Barishal block roads for 12th day demanding health sector reform

Demonstrators have blocked roads in Barishal for the twelfth day as part of their protest against the mismanagement and patient suffering in the country's healthcare sector.

Around 11am today (8 August), they blocked the Barishal-Dhaka highway in the Nathullabad bus terminal, creating suffering for commuters on the highway and in the city intersections.

Metropolitan Police's Airport Police Station Officer-In-Charge (OC) Zakir Sikder told The Business Standard, "We are ready to tackle any kind of chaotic situation in this area. We have requested the protestors to consider the public's suffering."

The general public along with the students, chanted slogans such as "Discrimination in the health sector will not be accepted," "Break the syndicate," and "End public suffering at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (SBMC)."

Activist and organiser Mohiuddin Roni said, "People are not receiving proper treatment at government hospitals due to a powerful syndicate — that must be dismantled."

"We are not willing to leave the streets until our demands are fulfilled. We don't want any assurance. The health advisor must come in person to look into the matter", he added.

Sabbir Hossain, a protester, said, "People are not getting even minimum treatment in government hospitals. They are being harassed in many ways — doctors manipulate them to go to their associated clinics, medical equipment is kept defunct, and ambulance services are also insufficient. They don't get their expected service where public hospitals run on people's money.

"Our protest will continue until adequate medical care is ensured."

Another protestor, Faisal Hossain, said, "We apologise to the public that they are suffering due to the protest. Our demands are very reasonable. We are here to ensure proper medical care for the people of this region. The general public has also expressed solidarity with our demands."

Earlier, representatives from the army and police spoke with the protestors. However, the protestors decided not to leave the road until their demands are fulfilled.