Dhaka, Aug 10 — Traffic on the Dhaka–Barishal highway remained crippled for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday as students continued their protest demanding reforms in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.
The protesters, rallying behind a three-point demand that includes dismantling alleged “syndicates” in government hospitals, blocked the highway at Nathullabad Bus Terminal in Barishal around 11:30 a.m. (local time). The blockade halted vehicular movement between Barishal and six southern districts, stranding hundreds of vehicles and causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
According to United News of Bangladesh, police clashed with students when law enforcement tried to remove the barricades. Additional forces were deployed to maintain order.
Kotwali Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said discussions were underway to resolve the impasse. The students have been demonstrating for 15 days, alleging “irregularities” and “mismanagement” in the health sector.
Similar blockades were staged on Saturday and Friday, with Friday’s protest lasting seven and a half hours. On Thursday, student leader Mohiuddin Rony accused hospital syndicates of depriving people of proper treatment, vowing not to end the protests until reforms are implemented. Fellow protester Riazul Alam echoed the demand, stating they would not return home until the healthcare sector is reformed.
The continuous blockade has disrupted the supply of goods and delayed inter-district travel, drawing widespread public attention. While police are attempting to mediate, the protesters remain adamant that their demands be met before lifting the blockade.
The standoff underscores growing frustration among young people over governance in public health services, turning the normally busy Dhaka–Barishal highway into the latest focal point for dissent in Bangladesh.
