DHAKA: Agitating doctors at Bangladesh Institute of Research & Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Hospital on Wednesday observed a sit-in program in Shahbagh intersection of the city demanding the detention of the assaulters.

They took position on the road from 12:15pm to 1:00pm that brought a halt to traffic movement in the city’s one of the busiest thoroughfares.

Ambulances and vehicles on emergency duty were given passages during the sit-in, claimed the doctors, who are continuing their indefinite work abstention.

Dr Parvez, one of agitators, told banglanews, “Doctors from Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and other medical institutions would join with our movement”.

Earlier in the morning, the doctors announced to continue with the work abstention at a press conference at the hospital till the detention of the assaulters.

The strike has brought immense miseries and sufferings to thousands of patients who are to receive treatment at the country’s one of the high-standard hospital.

Though hospital’s acting registrar Ahmed Salm Mir, at the morning’s conference, claimed that the treatment was being given at their emergency department and the indoor treatment is also being provided there.

Emergency department’s normal treatment would remain closed unless the assaulters are arrested, added Ahmed.

Birdem doctors went on a work abstention from Tuesday protesting assault on colleagues by relatives of a patient.

Five doctors including a female one were assaulted by the relatives of a patient who died at the hospital on Sunday.

** Demo till detention of assaulters

BDST: 1435 HRS, APR 16, 2014