Protesters block Dhaka-Barishal Highway to press for healthcare reforms

They call on authorities to break up the "syndicate" that has long been depriving people of medical care at public hospitals

Students and locals have occupied the Dhaka-Barishal Highway amid an ongoing protest against mismanagement in the healthcare sector, patient suffering, and harassment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

The protesters began their sit-in at the central bus terminal roundabout in Barishal city around 11am on Friday, according to Airport Police Station chief Zakir Sikder.

The demonstration brought long-distance bus services to destinations such as Patuakhali, Kuakata, Barguna, Jhalakathi, and Pirojpur to a halt.

Students from Barishal University, Government Brojomohun College, Hatem Ali College, Barishal Polytechnic Institute, and other educational institutions joined the protest on the Dhaka-Barishal Highway, chanting slogans demanding healthcare reforms.

The protesters alleged that syndicates in public hospitals have long deprived people of treatment. They called for the syndicates to be broken up, adding that despite the protest entering its 12th day, the Directorate General of Health Services had neither taken any steps nor initiated dialogue.

They warned that the blockade would continue if the issue was not resolved quickly.

“Later in the afternoon, representatives from the health department, the deputy commissioner’s office, and police offered to hold talks with the protesters, but they refused. As a result, a large number of passenger and goods-carrying vehicles remained stranded at both ends of the Dhaka-Barishal Highway,” said Zakir.