A severe dispute at Rangpur Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh has escalated into a full-scale protest by intern doctors, following an alleged assault on medical staff and subsequent controversy surrounding the handling of a deceased patient’s body. Despite an apology extracted from the accused through an unusual public act, the strike by intern doctors continues, disrupting hospital services.
The incident began on Saturday when Noorjahan Begum, a resident of Jumma Para in Rangpur city, was admitted to the cardiology unit early in the morning. She passed away shortly after admission. Her family members, particularly her younger son Rifat Hossain, alleged negligence in treatment and expressed strong dissatisfaction with the care provided. Tensions quickly intensified, culminating in Rifat allegedly assaulting two on-duty intern doctors, Dr Naim Bokshi and indoor medical officer Dr Rakib Hasan.
In response, intern doctors and medical students initiated protests, including temporarily halting emergency services and refusing to release the deceased body. Services were partially restored after a couple of hours, but the situation deteriorated again when the body was being prepared for transfer. Protesters blocked the ambulance and moved the body to the hospital mortuary, demanding a public apology from the accused son before release.
The controversy deepened when Rifat Hossain was brought to the hospital administration building. Amid heightened tensions, protesters demanded a public act of humiliation, and he was reportedly made to apologise while performing a “holding ears and squatting” gesture inside the director’s office. Following this, the body of his mother was released to the family.
Despite this, intern doctors began a formal work stoppage from Sunday morning, demanding enhanced security, punishment for the assault, and improved workplace protection. Medical students also boycotted classes and examinations in solidarity.
Hospital services have since been significantly affected, with ward-level care largely dependent on intern doctors. Emergency services are operating in a limited capacity.
Key Developments Timeline
| Time/Date |
Event |
| Saturday early morning |
Noorjahan Begum admitted to cardiology unit |
| Shortly after admission |
Patient declared dead |
| Saturday morning |
Family alleges negligence; assault on two doctors |
| Saturday midday |
Emergency services briefly suspended |
| Saturday afternoon |
Body withheld; protests intensify |
| Saturday later |
Public apology reportedly extracted from accused |
| Sunday morning |
Intern doctors begin full work stoppage |
Relatives of patients have expressed concern over the disruption. One attendant, Mashiur Rahman, noted that intern doctors play a crucial role in daily ward management and their absence has left patients struggling for care.
Intern representatives maintain that the protest will continue until their demands for safety and secure working conditions are met. Hospital authorities, meanwhile, have indicated that discussions are underway to resolve the crisis and restore normal services.
A video of the incident involving the accused’s public apology has circulated widely on social media, intensifying debate over professional conduct, patient rights, and hospital security.
The hospital director has expressed optimism that dialogue with the protesting doctors will soon lead to a resolution.
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