Trainee postgraduate doctors affiliated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, who had been protesting for an increase in their monthly stipend, called off their blockade at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Sunday evening, announcing a work stoppage until their demand was officially addressed.
Dr Jabir Hossain, president of the Doctors’ Movement for Justice Society, declared the decision to leave Shahbagh on behalf of the protesters.
“During today’s protest, we held discussions with the Ministry of Health, and the BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) vice chancellor assured us that our demand would be met.
“Therefore, we are giving the authorities until 5pm on Thursday to increase the stipend. However, until then, our work stoppage will continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarjis Alam, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, expressed solidarity with the protesting doctors.
“We fully support the demands of postgraduate doctors. This movement is completely justified. Discussions have been held with various government representatives, and we have demanded benefits equivalent to the ninth-grade pay scale,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the trainee doctors blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Tk25,000 to Tk50,000 or an equivalent upgrade to the ninth-grade pay scale.
The protest paralyzed traffic in Dhaka, leaving thousands of commuters stuck and causing widespread frustration.
Key roads connecting vital areas such as Science Lab, Motijheel and Farmgate remained entirely blocked, forcing vehicles to divert to alternative routes.
The ensuing traffic congestion severely disrupted daily life, with many experiencing delays lasting several hours.
