Doctors, nurses and other staffers at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital suspended work on Wednesday citing security concerns.

The work stoppage began unexpectedly in the morning, disrupting healthcare services.


While the emergency department remains operational, all regular services remain suspended.

Hospital staffers claimed that ongoing misconduct, property damage and threats from individuals identified as "July warriors" have created an unsafe working environment.

As outpatient services remain closed, many patients are facing difficulties—some left after waiting for extended periods without receiving treatment.

Scheduled surgeries have also been cancelled.

Although some patients waited in consultation rooms, no doctors were available to attend to them.

Staff members reported ongoing incidents of verbal abuse and physical misconduct involving certain "July warriors" receiving treatment.

Tensions escalated further following a recent incident involving the alleged "attempted suicide" by four individuals.

On Tuesday, a group of "July warriors" reportedly entered the hospital director's office with flammable substances and confined him for a period of time.

NIOH Director Dr Khayer Ahmed Chowdhury said: “Yesterday (Tuesday), a few individuals entered my office, engaged in arguments among themselves and became physically aggressive. One of them brought a petrol-like substance. It remains unclear whether they intended self-harm or arson.

"There appear to be internal group conflicts. One group confined me for nearly two hours. The situation was brought under control with the assistance of another group, law enforcement and the military.”

He added: “This unexpected incident has left the staff deeply unsettled and concerned for their safety, prompting the decision to observe a work stoppage.”