Blockade, hunger strike grip Barishal city as protesters demand health sector reforms

Students and residents have once again blocked the Dhaka-Barishal Highway to demand sweeping reforms in the country’s health sector, including changes at Barishal’s Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Protesters gathered in front of the Nathullabad Bus Terminal in the city around 11am on Monday, halting traffic in the area.

At the same time, another group of students began a hunger strike outside the main gate of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Hospital Director AKM Mashiul Munir held a press conference to brief journalists on the steps the authorities had taken in response to the unrest.

Navid Nasif, a spokesperson for the health sector reform movement, said the demonstrations followed an ultimatum issued the previous day.

Mohiuddin Rony, another leader of the movement, had announced at an emergency press conference at 4pm on Sunday that the health advisor must travel to Barishal within 24 hours to investigate and resolve the situation.

As of Monday morning, the advisor had not arrived, Nasif said.

“The ultimatum period will end at 4pm,” he added.

If the health advisor does not arrive by then, another press conference will be held to announce the next programme, he said.

He threatened nationwide protests in every division, district, and Upazila if their demands are not met.

Nasif also said students from Barishal Model School and College had joined the protest by launching a hunger strike to the death at the hospital gates.

“If anything happens to the students, the authorities will have to take responsibility,” he warned.