Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (SBMC) interns in Barisal embarked on an indefinite strike from yesterday noon protesting an alleged assault by a canteen manager and demanding punishment for the accused and a separate cafeteria.
Although continuing to provide services at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital's (SBMCH) emergency unit, the 240 interns were boycotting services at the hospital's other units, depriving around 1,300 patients, said SBMCH acting director Dr Qamrul Hasan Selim.
Other students were boycotting classes too, he said, adding that he had received a letter containing the demands and a three-member probe committee led by SBMCH Deputy Director Dr Shahidul Islam was formed to submit a report in 24 hours.
SBMCH Intern Doctors' Association President Dr Abu Talib Md Abdullah Maruf, also SBMC unit Bangladesh  Chhatra League president, said the incident occurred as he and some other interns were complaining about the food quality at the SBMCH staff canteen around 2:30am on Friday.
The canteen manager, Sabuj, son of the canteen lessee Awami League leader and Barisal City Corporation Ward 11 Councillor Mojibor Rahman, misbehaved with them and tried to throw them out, leading to a scuffle, alleged Talib.
Sabuj could not be found on the spot and his cellphone was found switched off.
Denying the assault allegation, Mojibor said it was a “misunderstanding” over realising due bills and “the issue had been settled”.