Protesters threaten shutdown

KHULNA, Nov 10: Doctors and healthcare workers in Khulna have given police a seven-day ultimatum to stop extortion, threats and attacks on medical institutions, warning of a shutdown of healthcare services if security is not ensured, as several pharmacies and diagnostic centres have  been forced to close following alleged criminal activities.

Pharmacy owners in the city are facing fresh threats from alleged extortionists, who are pressuring them to reopen businesses shut over extortion demands and threatening to kill those who refuse. Some owners have reopened their pharmacies out of fear, adding to concerns over deteriorating law and order.

On Tuesday , they staged a protest rally and formed a human chain, demanding an immediate end to extortion, criminal activities and attacks in healthcare institutions.

Under banner of Nationalist Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), the protest programme was held in front of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Bhaban near Dr Milon intersection in the city around 11:30am.
Protesters said hospitals, diagnostic centres, pharmacies, doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are increasingly facing extortion demands, threats, attacks and vandalism. They expressed concern that the deteriorating law and order situation is putting medical services and public safety at greater risks.

The rally was presided over by Dr Abu Zafar Md Saleh Palash, general secretary ofDAB's Khulna Medical College unit. 

Among those who addressed the programme were Dr Mostafa Kamal, director of Khulna Medical College Hospital; Dr Kazi Ahsan Habib, assistant director of the hospital; and doctors Mehedi Hasan and Taz Islam, alongside nurses and employees of different healthcare institutions spoke at the rally.

Speakers warned that tougher programmes including a shutdown of healthcare services would be enforced if the authorities failed to ensure the security of healthcare professionals and institutions within seven days.