Strike called off as prime accused arrested

SYLHET, Aug 04 (UNB): Students and intern doctors at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College and Hospital (SOMCH) on Thursday called off their ongoing protest against the attack on two medical interns by relatives of a patient, following the arrest of the prime accused.
"Following assurances from SOMCH authorities, we have suspended our movement after giving an ultimatum to meet all our demands within a week," said general secretary of Intern Physicians' Council, Dr Matiur Rahman.
"Medical interns have joined work and students went back to their classes," he added.
Earlier this morning, the protesters held a meeting with SOMCH authorities, where health department officials were present.
Police arrested the prime accused, Dibya Sarker, an activist of Metropolitan unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) around 12:00 am on Thursday from the Shahporan area of the city, said Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (north) Azbahar Ali Sheikh.
"The prime accused was arrested and the administration has promised to increase security inside the campus soon. So, we've suspended our movement," said Dr Matiur.
"However, if all the accused are not arrested and security is not ensured within seven days, we will resume the movement again," he added.
On Wednesday, the protesting interns gave an ultimatum until Thursday morning to meet their demands threatening to stop all the activities of the hospital, including the outdoor patient service.
They took position on the college campus and put the administrative building gate under lock and key until 12:00 noon, boycotting their classes and exams.