Intern doctors at Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) Mitford Hospital on Wednesday began an indefinite strike, alleging that a group led by Jagannath University Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel assaulted physicians inside the hospital and demanding justice and enhanced security.
The strike was announced by the SSMC Mitford Hospital Intern Doctors Association (IDA), which alleged that assistant registrars, trainee doctors and intern doctors were physically assaulted during the incident.
According to the doctors, the incident took place on the fourth floor of the hospital's Surgery Building on Tuesday night.
They alleged that 10 to 12 individuals, including Himel, entered Room 429 of the Surgery Department and became involved in an argument with on-duty doctors. The dispute later escalated into a physical altercation, during which several physicians were allegedly assaulted.
As part of their protest, the intern doctors announced a four-point demand, including enhanced security measures, installation of CCTV cameras and legal action against those responsible.
Their demands are:
- Deployment of at least four police personnel outside every ward unit;
- Immediate installation of CCTV cameras at key points across the hospital;
- Identification of those involved in the incident and prompt legal action against them; and
- Issuance of a show-cause notice and appropriate action against the Ansar member on duty in the Surgery Department.
IDA Convener Dr Debashis Chakraborty said no one could be formally identified due to the absence of CCTV cameras at the hospital.
He said the strike would continue until a fair investigation is conducted and the doctors' demands are met.
Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shah Md Faisal Ahmed said police brought the situation under control shortly after receiving reports of the incident.
However, he said neither side had filed a written complaint as of Wednesday.
Responding to the allegations, Himel denied involvement in any assault and claimed that members of his group had instead been victims of a "mob attack" at the hospital.
He said the facts surrounding the incident would become clear through a proper investigation.
