For the fourth day, students in Bangladesh blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway demanding an end to healthcare syndicates. The 15-day protest has halted transport between Barishal and six southern districts, causing commuter chaos and economic disruption, as clashes with police intensify and calls for urgent health sector reforms grow.
For the fourth consecutive day, traffic movement on the Dhaka-Barishal highway remained at a standstill on Sunday as students persisted in their blockade, pressing a three-point demand to end what they describe as “syndication” in the country’s healthcare sector.
The ongoing protest has brought transport between Barishal and six southern districts to a halt, severely disrupting daily life for commuters and goods transporters. The latest blockade began at around 11:30 a.m. local time, when demonstrators gathered at the Nathullabad Bus Terminal area, placing barricades and chanting slogans in support of their demands, according to United News of Bangladesh.
Clashes with Law Enforcement
Tensions escalated on Sunday as police attempted to clear the highway, resulting in clashes between law enforcement personnel and the student protesters. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway, leaving passengers stranded for hours under sweltering conditions.
Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, confirmed that discussions were underway to reach a peaceful resolution. However, with negotiations failing to produce immediate results, the stalemate has continued to deepen.
15 Days of Protest
The blockade is part of a larger movement that has been ongoing for 15 days, aimed at highlighting alleged irregularities and mismanagement within Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. Protesters allege that powerful syndicates operating in government hospitals are depriving citizens of proper medical treatment.
The students have been calling for:
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An end to syndicates in the healthcare sector
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Reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in hospitals
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Better medical facilities and patient care standards
On Saturday, the highway was similarly blocked for a third consecutive day, and on Friday, the protesters maintained a 7.5-hour blockade to draw attention to their grievances.
Voices from the Ground
Mohiuddin Rony, one of the protest leaders, said the decision to block the highway came after repeated demonstrations failed to elicit a meaningful response from the authorities.
“Due to syndicates in government hospitals, people are not getting proper treatment. These syndicates must be dismantled. After ten days of protests, today we have been compelled to block the highway,” Rony stated.
Another protester, Riazul Alam, declared that students would not return home until concrete reforms in the health sector were implemented.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The blockade has caused severe inconvenience for thousands of passengers and has disrupted the flow of goods to and from southern Bangladesh. Transport operators have reported significant financial losses, while traders warn that prolonged disruption could affect essential supplies.
Local residents expressed frustration at both the disruption and the lack of resolution. “We understand the students’ cause, but this is affecting everyone. Patients trying to reach hospitals are stuck, and daily workers are losing wages,” said one stranded commuter.
Authorities’ Response
Police have increased their presence in the Nathullabad area to prevent further escalation. Law enforcement officials insist they are working to restore traffic without resorting to excessive force. Mizanur Rahman reiterated that dialogue remains the preferred path to ending the impasse.
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Despite these assurances, protesters have shown no sign of backing down. The continuation of the blockade into a fifth day could escalate tensions further and intensify calls for urgent government intervention.
As the standoff continues, the Dhaka-Barishal highway—an essential link for commerce and mobility—remains a focal point of the students’ growing campaign for systemic change in Bangladesh’s healthcare system.
