Habiganj Medical College students held a human chain and blocked roads on Saturday to protest against the decision of closure of the college and demanded establishing a permanent campus as soon as possible.
The human chain was formed in front of Habiganj Court Mosque at 12 noon which then blocked the adjacent road chanting various slogans and causing significant traffic congestion on the main road of the district town for about an hour. Later, they called a press briefing at the medical college auditorium.
During the press briefing, Akib Mahmud, a 4th-year student, said, "Our activities are ongoing at the 250-bed District Sadar Hospital, which has an adequate number of patients. This hospital provides treatment to approximately 500 patients daily, so there are enough patients for students to research. However, conspirators are plotting to close it down alleging of substandard quality are baseless and a manifestation of discriminatory behavior."
He also said, "Currently, there are about 300 students studying in our medical college. In contrast, there are 55 teachers and two curators, meaning there is one teacher for every six students. Therefore, the allegation of teacher shortage is baseless and fabricated."
Another student, Abu Hasan, said, "The medical college is progressing by fulfilling all standards, but a permanent campus has not yet been established. This is the previous government’s fault, not ours. Our future and mental health are at stake, and the healthcare of 3 million people in Habiganj is also under threat. Therefore, the students urge the concerned authorities to withdraw such decisions."
SMR/NS
