Emergency services at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) were restored on Wednesday evening after being suspended for nearly three hours following a clash between Dhaka University (DU) students and hospital doctors.
Intern doctors have issued an ultimatum, warning of a complete shutdown of emergency services if no action is taken against those involved within 24 hours.
The confrontation reportedly began when Sanim, a 2023–24 botany student from DU’s Amar Ekushey Hall, returned to DMCH after failing to obtain the prescribed medicine from nearby pharmacies.
He requested a change in the prescription, which, according to DU students, led to a dispute with doctors.
Mohammad Tanzim, a student of Shahidullah Hall, 2023–24 batch, alleged that they were collectively attacked by 10-12 doctors when they returned for a follow-up.
Hospital doctors, however, claimed that four of their members were assaulted by around 15–20 DU students in the emergency department.
The clash caused major disruptions, leaving patients unable to receive treatment. Additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
To contain the situation, DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed met with DMCH Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman to discuss the incident.
Six-member probe committee formed
A six-member investigation committee has been formed to identify those responsible for the clash in the emergency department. The committee is led by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dhaka University.
Asaduzzaman announced the move during a press conference at approximately 10pm on Wednesday, stating that the committee is expected to submit its report by Saturday morning.
The probe body includes the deputy director and Intern co-ordinator of DMCH, two assistant professors from Dhaka University, and the deputy commissioner (DC) of the Ramna Zone police.
Asaduzzaman noted that once the report is submitted, authorities from both the university and the hospital will meet to discuss and implement the committee’s recommendations.
