Dhaka, Nov 24 (V7N)- Students from various educational institutions protested at the National Medical College Hospital today, accusing the hospital of medical negligence in the death of Abhijit Howlader (18), a student of Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Molla College. The protests escalated into vandalism, injuring five students and one journalist, and prompting a significant police presence.

The protest began around 1:45 pm, with students from Mahbubur Rahman Molla College, Dhania College, and nearby institutions gathering at the hospital’s main gate. They chanted slogans and vandalized the hospital's gate and nameplate, alleging irregularities and negligence in Abhijit's treatment.

Abhijit had been admitted to the hospital on November 16 after contracting dengue and passed away on November 18. Students claimed that the hospital attempted to suppress the matter by offering the family 10,000 taka and falsely attributing his death to intoxication.

Tensions began shortly after Abhijit's death, with students protesting two days later. However, they were met with resistance, allegedly from students of Kabi Nazrul College and Suhrawardy College, as well as police intervention involving teargas. Today's protest is a continuation of that unrest.

During today’s protests, a chase-and-counter-chase situation unfolded, leaving six people injured, including a journalist. All injured individuals have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. To prevent further escalation, additional police forces have been deployed.

Dr. Rezaul Haque, Deputy Director (Administration) of Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital, informed the media that an 11-member investigation committee has been formed to look into the allegations. "We expect the committee to submit its findings soon, and appropriate actions will follow," he stated.

The protest underscores the growing dissatisfaction among students regarding healthcare services, particularly in critical cases like dengue, which continues to claim lives in Bangladesh.

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