Summary:
- Postgraduate trainee doctors in Bangladesh protested at Shahbagh, demanding a stipend increase from Tk 25,000 to Tk 50,000.
- The demonstration, organized by the Doctors’ Movement for Justice Society (DMJS), caused major traffic disruptions in Dhaka.
- Protesters criticized the government’s failure to meet their demands despite years of advocacy and missed deadlines.
- Officials assured action but protesters vowed to continue until a written notification is issued.
Postgraduate trainee doctors in Bangladesh staged a significant protest today, blocking the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka to demand an increase in their monthly stipends from Tk 25,000 to Tk 50,000. The demonstration, organized under the banner of the Doctors’ Movement for Justice Society (DMJS), began at 10:00 AM with protesters gathering at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) before marching to Shahbagh. The protest caused severe traffic disruptions, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
The demonstrators emphasized that their demands have been ignored for years. DMJS President Jabir Hossain stated that the group, along with its affiliate organization, the Postgraduate Private Trainee Doctors’ Association (PPTDA), has been advocating for a stipend increase since 2022. However, despite repeated appeals, no concrete action has been taken by the authorities. “We will not leave the streets until our demands are met,” said Mustafizur Rahman, one of the protesting doctors.
The protesters criticized the government for failing to meet a previously set deadline of December 21 to issue a notification regarding stipend increments. DMJS General Secretary Md Nurun Nabi expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, saying, “We have been waiting for two years. The allowance was supposed to be increased last January. How much more time should we give?”
The financial strain on postgraduate doctors was highlighted by Mamsad Shanjary Khan, a student of the 47th batch of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM). He explained that the current stipend is insufficient to support their families amidst rising living costs. “Previously, we received Tk 20,000, which was later increased to Tk 25,000. But it is still impossible to survive on this amount,” he said.
Around 3:00 PM, senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Health Services assured protesters that their demands would be addressed. However, the demonstrators insisted they would continue their movement until a written notification confirming the stipend hike is issued.
This protest is part of a broader movement by trainee doctors across Bangladesh seeking fair compensation and timely payment of dues. Earlier this year, similar demonstrations were held by intern doctors demanding salary increases and arrears payments. The ongoing unrest underscores growing dissatisfaction within the medical community over wage disparities and unfulfilled promises.
As of now, traffic at Shahbagh remains disrupted as protesters vow to maintain their stance until tangible actions are taken by authorities. The situation continues to unfold as both sides seek resolution amidst increasing public attention.
Source: The Daily Star
