For four consecutive days, the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Dhaka has remained shut, suspending medical services. The closure follows clashes between staff and protesters injured during the July uprising, leaving hundreds of patients from across the country in dire straits.
On-site visits revealed several patients returning home untreated. Even emergency patients are being forced to seek care elsewhere.
The crisis began last Wednesday when injured students from the student-led movement last July clashed with hospital staff during a work stoppage. Allegations of attacks on doctors and nurses surfaced, prompting army deployment to control the situation. However, staff have not resumed work due to fear.
Patients lamented, “Coming here for treatment has cost us not just money but also time and physical suffering.”
Another staff member said, “The July protesters have held the entire hospital hostage. They demand that everyone be sent abroad.”
The July Foundation stated they are attempting negotiations, adding that if staff — excluding those on a disputed list — return to work, the situation could normalise.
The tensions escalated after four injured protesters attempted suicide by consuming poison last Sunday, demanding better treatment. Later, they confined the hospital director at Suhrawardy Hospital. Since then, staff have been on strike, demanding safety assurances.