Mitford Hospital ‘shutdown’ by students

Staff Correspondent

Students have announced a ‘shutdown’ at the historic Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital in the capital in protest of insecurity and the recent murder incident.

On Sunday, July 13, the students made the announcement during a protest rally that began from the college premises in the afternoon.

Students alleged that both patients coming for treatment and students attending classes at the hospital are suffering from extreme insecurity and fear.

They said, “Patients coming for treatment at the hospital should not be in fear, and neither should we have to attend classes in terror—this cannot continue. We want immediate action, or the shutdown will persist.”

On behalf of the students, it was stated that if their demands are not met, they will suspend classes and academic activities and continue the shutdown program even more rigorously.

Their main demands include:

• Prohibiting outsiders from entering the hospital and college campus
• Evicting illegal shops from the footpaths adjacent to the hospital
• Increasing the number and activity of Ansar members
• Taking urgent and strict measures to ensure overall security

Meanwhile, intern doctors at Mitford Hospital have observed a one-day work stoppage protesting the lack of security within the hospital premises.

It is to be noted that on July 9, scrap trader Lal Chand alias Sohag was murdered in broad daylight in front of Mitford Hospital. This brutal killing has caused widespread panic in the area. Since the incident, local residents and pedestrians near the hospital have been feeling insecure.

Following Sohag’s murder, students of Sir Salimullah Medical College have been holding continuous protest programs. They stated that the movement will not stop until effective measures are taken.