Activists from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have blocked the Dhaka-Barisal Highway on Saturday, demanding reforms in the country’s health sector.
The protest, organised under the banner of ‘Students-People’, has entered its 14th day, with highway blockades being staged for the third consecutive day.
On Saturday, around 11:30am, protesters gathered at the Nathullabad area in Barisal, causing severe traffic disruptions. The blockade affected road communications between Dhaka and six southern districts, including Barisal.
The protesters are pressing three-point demand including the dismantling of the health sector syndicates, modernisation of medical services at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, and swift action to reform the health sector.
Earlier, on Friday, protesters had also blocked the highway from morning until evening, chanting slogans against the “syndicate” system and the commercialisation of healthcare. Their placards and banners highlighted the urgent need for reforms in the health sector.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway during the blockade, causing significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters. Transportation between Barisal, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, Jhalkathi, Patuakhali, and Kuakata was brought to a halt.
The protesters claimed that corruption in the health sector, particularly through syndicates, has deprived citizens of essential healthcare services. They have vowed to continue their fight until the syndicates are dismantled and equal medical access is ensured for all.
Officer-in-Charge of Barisal Kotwali Model Police Station, Mizanur Rahman, said that discussions were ongoing to resolve the issue.
However, the protesters have stated that they will not lift the blockade unless they receive a commitment from the health adviser regarding their demands.