Postgraduate private trainee doctors blocked all four points at Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection this morning (Dec 29) causing severe gridlock in surrounding roads.
The protesting doctors blocked the busy intersection from around 11 am, demanding increasing their monthly allowance to Tk 50,000 from Tk 25,000, reports TBS.
They also took to the streets last week as well with the same demand, following which the Finance Division on Dec 23 issued a notification increasing the gratuity allowance rate of unpaid trainees who have passed the first phase of FCPS of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS).
It said the existing monthly gratuity allowance was increased by 20% from Tk25,000 to Tk30,000, effective from Dec 24 .
However, the trainee doctors rejected the hike immediately and demanded an increase to Tk50,000.
Protests had started at the beginning of this year demanding an increase in salaries of intern doctors from Tk20,000 to Tk30,000 and the salary of postgraduate private trainee doctors to Tk50,000.
On June 13, postgraduate doctors had even laid a siege to the BSMMU vice-chancellor's offices, demanding the increase in allowance.
Then a couple of days later, their salary was increased by Tk5,000 by the authorities.
However, this did not appease the doctors and they continued their protests intermittently since July, a flare-up of which is being seen today.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
