Doctors strike, journos protest

Journalists in Rajshahi have continued their protest against an alleged attack on their colleagues by intern doctors of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH).

On the other hand, interns at RMCH went on a strike on Monday alleging an attack by journalists.

RMCH authorities have formed a probe committee to look into Sunday’s incident at the hospital premises.

The seven-member committee, headed by hospital’s Director Brig Gen AKM Nasiruddin, was formed on Monday afternoon at an emergency meeting of the hospital’s board of directors.

Board President and local MP Fazle Hossain Badsha told reporters the committee had been asked to submit a report within seven working days.

“Whoever is responsible for the incident will be identified and brought to justice. There will be no compromise,” he said.

The MP assured that all necessary support would be given for the treatment of the injured journalists.

Journalists in Rajshahi alleged they were assaulted by interns at the hospital when they went there to report an incident on Sunday night.

At least 10 journalists were injured and cameras of several TV channels were smashed. Journalists in four districts of Rajshahi division have called protest rallies on Tuesday.

On Monday, journalists held protest marches and rallies in the city.

On the other hand, interns at the hospital have been abstaining from work demanding security and a ban on entry of reporters into hospital. Although they have not made any official announcement, hospital’s Additional Director ASM Barkatullah admitted that the doctors were not working.