NN Online:
Postgraduate trainee doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) – who boycotted their work and gathered at Shahbagh – have been granted a stipend increase of Tk 5000 on Monday through a notification. However, the decision has been rejected by the doctors and called it a breach of promise by the government.
The intern doctors said, “We have rejected the notification, which was promised as the stipend equivalent to the ninth grade. We strongly condemn such a decision.”
On Monday, a notification signed by Finance Ministry Deputy Secretary Syed Ali Bin Hassan said the monthly stipend for unpaid trainees who have passed the first part of the FCPS at the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) has been increased by 20 per cent, from the existing Tk 25,000 to Tk 30,000. The new stipend rate will be applicable from the date of the order’s issuance.
Doctors Movement for Justice President Dr Jabir Hossain said, “Every time we have protested demanding a stipend increase, it has only been raised by Tk 5000. This time, it’s no different, with the stipend being increased again by Tk 5000 to Tk 30,000. We have rejected this decision and burned the notification in protest.
“If our stipend is not increased to Tk 50,000 by Thursday, a large rally will be held at Shahbagh next Sunday. Alongside this, the indefinite strike will continue.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Anti-discrimination Students Movement Coordinator Sarjis Alam shared a post on his verified Facebook account, saying, “Considering the country’s socio-economic context, a stipend of Tk 30,000 for post-graduate trainee doctors is unjustifiable. It should be at least Tk 40,000 or equivalent to the ninth grade.”
He further added, “Until we understand where and when to invest, the expected development of the country will not be possible.”
