Dhaka, December 29: Intern doctors who had blocked Shahbagh intersection earlier in the day have called off their protest and decided to return to healthcare services. The decision follows a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, where it was agreed that their monthly allowance will remain at Tk 30,000 for now, with a commitment to increase it to Tk 35,000 starting in July next year.

The meeting, held in the afternoon, included representatives from the protesting doctors and health ministry officials. A reliable source confirmed the decision to the media. Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant Professor of the Health Ministry, chaired the meeting. Representatives from the protesting doctors included Dr. Jabir Hossain, President of the Doctors' Movement for Justice Society, and Dr. Nurunnabi, its General Secretary.

Other attendees included members of the National Citizens' Committee, such as Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ahad and Dr. Humayun Kabir Himu, along with Dr. Zahirul Islam Shakil, Treasurer of the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB), and Professor Atiar Rahman, Vice President of the National Doctors Forum (NDF), among others.

Earlier in the morning, the intern doctors had staged a blockade at Shahbagh, citing their frustration over unmet demands. They stated that despite repeated appeals to authorities, no resolution had been reached, leaving them with no choice but to take to the streets. The doctors emphasized their commitment to providing healthcare services and demanded the government recognize their contributions, especially during challenging times.

The protest followed a series of demonstrations that began on December 22, when the intern doctors demanded an increase in their monthly allowance from Tk 30,000 to Tk 50,000. At that time, the government announced a Tk 5,000 increase, raising the allowance to Tk 30,000, but this decision was rejected by the protesting doctors.

The doctors initially set a deadline of December 21 for the government to issue an official notification regarding their demands. When the deadline passed without resolution, approximately 13,000 postgraduate private trainee doctors threatened to go on a mass strike. The subsequent protests included road blockades, culminating in today’s demonstration at Shahbagh.

Following the government’s commitment to increase the allowance incrementally, the intern doctors have agreed to end their protests and resume healthcare services, ensuring that the public receives uninterrupted medical attention.