UNB, Barishal: Protesters blocked Dhaka-Barishal highway near Nothullabad bus terminal and Sadar Road in Barishal city again on Tuesday to press home their three-point demand including end of syndicate and irregularities in heath sector of the country.
They put up the barricade at 12 pm, causing severe traffic congestion and passenger suffering.
Though police have redirected most vehicles via alternative routes to ease the jam, traffic remains disrupted on both roads.
Besides, several students began an indefinite hunger strike at 11 am in front of the main gate of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital demanding reforms in the hospital administration.
Mohiuddin Rony, who is leading the protests, announced continuation of the Barishal blockade campaign during a press conference on Monday.
He said, “Until the three-point demands to end mismanagement, patients’ harassment, and syndicate practices in all government hospitals across the country are met, we will not leave the streets.”
Rony added that a 24-hour ultimatum given last Sunday for the health adviser to personally visit Sher-e-Bangla Medical Hospital to investigate irregularities and corruption and to provide clear assurances on the demands, expired without any response.
“The health advieser did not come to Barishal so we are enforcing the blockade,” he said.
During the blockade, police diverted vehicles from Kuakata via C&B Road’s Choumatha to Nabgram Road and Kashipur Choumatha.
This alternative route added about 10 kilometers but helped avoid prolonged traffic jams. Vehicles from Dhaka to Kuakata are also taking this route.
Passengers faced inconvenience due to the longer travel time.
Protesters have ensured emergency lanes remain open for ambulances and urgent vehicles.
Barishal Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zakir Hossain Sikder said, “Students continue blocking the highway and Sadar Road today demanding their three-point demand. Law and order situation remains normal.”
The protesters have been staging various protests for 17 days demanding health sector reforms.
