BNP condemns violence, attack at OMCH

Bangla Press Desk:   BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam on Sunday strongly condemned the incident of vandalism, violence and harassment of a female doctor at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, calling it a grave threat to the country’s healthcare system and the safety of medical professionals.

In a statement, Dr Rafiqul said that the incident occurred late Friday night (16 Jan), when relatives of a patient carried out vandalism at the hospital, assaulted on-duty staff and harassed a female physician. At least three ward attendants were injured during the attack.

Describing medical service as one of the most humane and ethically responsible professions, he said such planned acts of violence, particularly the harassment of a female doctor while on duty, are completely unacceptable.

“This incident has not only disrupted hospital discipline but has also created a serious threat to the security and stability of the entire healthcare system,” he said.

Dr Rafiqul blamed longstanding neglect of the health sector, weak law and order, and state mismanagement for turning hospitals into places of fear rather than safe spaces.

“If doctors and healthcare workers remain concerned about their own safety, it is unrealistic to expect that ordinary people will receive quality healthcare,” he added.

Expressing deep concern over the harassment of a female doctor, the BNP leader said the incident has once again raised alarming questions about women’s safety and dignity.

He said the government cannot evade responsibility for what he described as a serious failure of the state apparatus to ensure women’s safety in the workplace.

He noted that such attacks are not unprecedented, pointing out that doctors, nurses and healthcare workers have previously been assaulted at their workplaces without seeing proper justice. The lack of accountability, he said, has contributed to the repeated occurrence of such incidents.

Dr Rafiqul said that if there are allegations of negligence against doctors or hospitals, there are established institutional mechanisms, including the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), to address complaints.

“Taking the law into one’s own hands instead of following due process is reprehensible and condemnable,” he said.

He also stressed the urgent need to implement health protection laws, including patient and doctor protection legislation, which have long been under discussion but have yet to be effectively enforced. He urged authorities to consult all stakeholders in the health sector and ensure swift implementation of such laws to make healthcare facilities safe, prioritising the rights and interests of both patients and medical professionals.

The BNP health affairs secretary demanded an immediate, impartial investigation into the incident and exemplary punishment for all those involved.

He also called on the authorities to take effective and permanent measures to ensure the safety of doctors, nurses, ward attendants and other healthcare workers at all public and private hospitals, medical colleges and healthcare centres across the country.

“Ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and protecting public health is the responsibility of the state. If the government fails to fulfil this responsibility, it will have to bear full accountability,” the statement said.

BP/TD