Hundreds of pharmaceutical representatives formed a human chain at Central Shaheed Minar on Thursday, demanding professional dignity and a secure working environment.
The demonstration, organised by Pharmaceutical Representatives Association (PHAREA), followed an incident on Monday at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
During an anti-broker drive conducted by National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the police, 19 pharmaceutical representatives were detained alongside several middlemen.
The representatives were held for being present on hospital premises outside of designated visiting hours, though they were later released by a Judicial Magistrate following a verification process.
Speaking at the protest, PHAREA General Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam Rafiq emphasised the essential role these professionals play in the national health sector. “We inform doctors about medicines produced in the country and the necessary restrictions for their consumption. None of our members are involved in any form of irregularity or corruption within hospitals,” he said.
Rafiq expressed frustration over the representatives being unfairly labelled as “dalals” (middlemen), asserting that no one could prove they had ever deceived a patient or a doctor.
He urged the prime minister to intervene and formulate a specific policy for the pharmaceutical sector – a key contributor to the national economy – to ensure a safe working environment and protect their professional status.
PHAREA President Md Habibur Rahman Habib, speaking under the slogan “United in claiming our rights,” described medical representatives as a highly educated and indispensable part of the healthcare system.
He lamented that their professional dignity is repeatedly being undermined.
“Medical representatives are not middlemen; they are skilled professionals who provide doctors with information on modern medical science,” Habib said, adding that state and social recognition for the profession is now a pressing demand.
He further called for the removal of all obstacles preventing representatives from performing their duties in hospitals and clinics, urging the authorities to ensure job security and minimum respect for those who provide services regardless of weather conditions.
