Intern doctors at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura began a work stoppage on Wednesday night following a clash with relatives of a deceased child patient. The incident occurred after the death of a child named Nihan, whose family accused doctors of negligence. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, prompting the hospital’s director, Brigadier General Mohammad Mohsin, to intervene and restore calm. Despite his assurances, the intern doctors announced a strike and suspended emergency services.

On Thursday, the interns held a human chain protest in front of the hospital’s emergency and casualty departments. They presented four demands: ensuring doctors’ safety, installing CCTV surveillance in all wards, conducting a fair investigation and punishing those responsible, and guaranteeing administrative support for a safe working environment. The hospital authorities have formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident.

The protesting interns warned of a larger movement if their safety concerns and the Health Service and Protection Act 2024 are not effectively implemented.