Students and professionals from biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines protested a new directive by Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) that mandates only registered doctors to sign pathology reports. The protest took place on January 15, 2026, in front of Tejgaon College, Dhaka, where participants called the decision unreasonable and discriminatory. Teachers from related departments also expressed solidarity with the demonstrators.

According to the protesters, DGHS circulars issued on January 5 and 7 introduced new rules for pathology and radiology services, requiring signatures exclusively from Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC)-registered physicians. They argued that this disregards the qualifications of clinical biochemists, microbiologists, and lab scientists who play key roles in diagnostic processes. They emphasized that international standards such as ISO, CAP, and NABL recognize biochemists as qualified lab professionals.

The participants urged authorities to recognize clinical biochemists and lab-based specialists as essential personnel, reconsider the signature-only policy, and establish a laboratory regulatory body to ensure quality control across all diagnostic centers in Bangladesh.