The interim government has announced a two-phase increase in allowances for postgraduate trainee doctors, marking the second hike within two weeks.
Postgraduate trainee doctors, who had been protesting for a stipend hike, expressed their acceptance of the government’s decision.
They announced they would resume work from 8am on 31 December.
However, they warned that they would resume their protests if the second phase of the increment is not implemented as promised.
The decision followed a meeting yesterday afternoon between a four-member delegation of postgraduate trainee doctors and Professor Syedur Rahman, assistant to the chief adviser on health affairs.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the stipends would increase to Tk35,000 starting in July 2025.
Jabir Hossain, president of the Doctors' Movement for Justice Society, said, "Considering the overall situation, we accept the notification of a Tk 30,000 allowance starting from January and Tk 35,000 from July. However, if the July increment is not implemented, we will resume our protest."
He added, "For the past two years, we have been demonstrating to secure our allowances. Everyone acknowledges the legitimacy of our demands, but no action is taken unless we resort to protests."
On 22 December, the postgraduate trainee doctors had blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding an increase in their stipend. In response, the government initially announced a Tk5,000 hike.
The latest decision builds on this commitment, ensuring a 20% increase in the current allowances and a structured path to further increments.
According to the latest circular from the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, the monthly stipend will rise by Tk5,000 in January 2025, followed by an additional Tk5,000 increment in July 2025, bringing the stipend to Tk35,000.
The circular, signed by Syed Ali Bin Hasan, deputy secretary of the ministry, stated that the current stipend of Tk25,000 for trainees who have passed the first part of the FCPS exam of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) will increase to Tk30,000 effective from 23 December 2024.
Furthermore, the circular confirmed that the stipend would reach Tk35,000 for the 2025–26 fiscal year, effective from 1 July 2025.
