In Sirajganj, intern doctors at Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College and Hospital staged a protest and work stoppage today in response to a recent attack on an intern doctor and the intrusion of miscreants into the female intern hostel. The demonstration began at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, with the interns gathering in front of the hospital to voice their demands.
The protest, organised by the Intern Doctors’ Association, also drew participation from regular students of the medical college. Speaking at the event, Association President Tamim Habib described the assault on an intern within a healthcare institution as “utterly disgraceful and deeply alarming.” He demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and called for exemplary punishment to deter similar incidents in the future.
Habib emphasised the urgent need for robust and permanent security measures to protect both intern and junior doctors. “Despite limited staff, excessive workloads, and often inadequate security, we consistently strive to provide the highest standard of care for our patients,” he said. “Yet, we face both physical and psychological attacks, which are not only distressing but intimidating and demoralising. The hospital currently lacks sufficient control over entry and exit, allowing wrongdoers easy access. It is imperative to ensure the overall safety of interns and to implement a modern gate-pass system.”
He confirmed that the work stoppage would continue indefinitely until the interns’ safety is fully guaranteed.
Among those present at the demonstration were the association’s General Secretary Shakil Ahmed, Organising Secretary Moshiur Rahman, Treasurer Bulbul Ahmed, and several intern doctors including Yousuf Ali, Habibur Rahman, Golam Mortuja, Shahria Siddiq, and Anika Tabassum.
The protest follows an incident on 1 April, when an intern doctor on duty in the paediatric department was physically assaulted and verbally abused by the relatives of a patient. This event sparked widespread concern among the hospital staff about the vulnerability of healthcare providers, particularly interns, to attacks within medical facilities.
The following table summarises the key details of the incident and the subsequent protest:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College and Hospital, Sirajganj |
| Initial Incident Date | 1 April 2026 |
| Victim | Intern Doctor |
| Perpetrators | Patient relatives |
| Protest Date | 5 April 2026 |
| Protest Type | Work stoppage and sit-in |
| Main Demands | Arrest and punishment of attackers; enhanced security |
Medical observers have noted that incidents of aggression against healthcare workers have been rising across the country. Experts emphasise the necessity of advanced security protocols, trained personnel, and strict enforcement of laws within hospital premises to protect staff, ensure patient safety, and maintain a secure healthcare environment.
This protest in Sirajganj underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard medical professionals and create a safe working environment for all healthcare providers.