Two students fall ill during hunger strike for health reforms in Barishal

NN Online:
Two students participating in a hunger strike outside Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal have fallen ill while pressing for reforms in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.

The protesters — Tahmid Islam Daiyan and Shafin Mahmud, both recent SSC graduates from Barishal Model School and College — joined the demonstration on Tuesday to demand three key reforms, including improved hospital services.

Despite repeated requests to seek treatment inside the hospital, the pair refused. Hospital Director AKM Moshiul Munir then arranged for saline and oxygen to be administered at the hospital gate. Both received on-site treatment.

Mahmud told reporters they had been on strike for 24 hours without any government response, vowing to continue until the health advisor arrives with a solution. “If the death of one student ensures proper healthcare for the people, we will accept that death,” he said.

Daiyan, who was also injured in the recent student movement, warned: “Don’t force us to launch a one-point movement.”

Director Munir said he had been monitoring the students and that steps were already underway to improve services, though “long-standing problems cannot be solved overnight.” The protesters say they have no grievance with him but insist the health advisor must appear in person.

Daiyan’s sister, Shifa, warned that if anything happens to her brother, the chief advisor and the health advisor will be held responsible.