Following the assault of three surgeons at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), all doctors in the emergency department have declared a work stoppage.
In response to this incident, both police and army personnel have been stationed outside the emergency department.
On Sunday (1 September) afternoon, the scene outside the DMCH's emergency department was one of heightened security and tension.
Since the morning, doctors have been on strike, resulting in a complete halt to all types of medical services.
Consequently, hundreds of patients and their families have gathered outside the emergency department, unable to receive treatment.
The incident occurred on Saturday (31 August), when three doctors from the Neuro Surgery Department were assaulted. The medical staff demanded that the perpetrators be identified through CCTV footage and arrested, threatening to go on strike within 24 hours if their demands were not met.
Late that night, individuals injured in a clash between two groups in the Khilgaon Siphai Bagh area arrived at Dhaka Medical College for treatment. Subsequently, another group entered the emergency department with weapons, and four individuals were apprehended by the army and handed over to the authorities.
Following a patient's death, the patient's relatives vandalised the emergency department's non-stop emergency centre.
Fearing for their safety, the doctors decided to suspend emergency services and demanded that the culprits be identified and brought to justice within 24 hours. The doctors commenced their strike before the 24-hour ultimatum expired.
As of Sunday morning, the emergency services remain closed due to ongoing security concerns.
