Hundreds of doctors from various hospitals, medical colleges, and specialist associations formed a human chain at Shahbagh in Dhaka on Saturday, protesting defamatory remarks, workplace attacks, and what they described as a deep conspiracy targeting the health sector. Despite heavy rain, participants condemned false information and hate speech against physicians, urging accountability and reform through constructive criticism instead of hostility.

BNP Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam questioned whether a deliberate smear campaign was being conducted against doctors and called for an investigation into possible vested interests or external influences. He cited the collapse of a billion-dollar medical tourism business after the 2024 uprising as a possible motive for attempts to pit doctors against the public. Speakers emphasized that weakening the health sector would undermine a key pillar of the state and that doctors and patients must remain on the same side.

Participants demanded legal action and exemplary punishment for those spreading hatred against doctors, including a public apology from journalist Masud Kamal for his recent remarks. They also called for ensuring workplace safety and restoring trust in doctor-patient relations.