The strike by intern doctors at Rangpur Medical College (RMC) Hospital entered its second consecutive day on Thursday, leaving patients in serious distress.

The doctors began the protest following an attack by patients’ relatives on medical staff earlier this week.

Police have arrested a man identified as Hossain, 20, son of Hafez Ashraful Islam of Chaparhat area under Kaliganj police station in Lalmonirhat district, in connection with the incident.

On Thursday afternoon, intern doctors were seen refraining from providing treatment, demanding better security for medical staff. The strike has disrupted normal hospital operations, putting ordinary patients, many of them critical, in extreme danger.

Relatives of patients undergoing treatment at the hospital expressed frustration. “We are suddenly in trouble due to the doctors’ strike. Patients are not getting the necessary medical care. If the situation does not improve, we may have to take them elsewhere,” said one relative.

Sadman Mir Miraj, President of the Intern Doctors Society of RMC Hospital, said the protest began after patient relatives attacked mid-level doctors, resident doctors and interns in the operation theatre on Tuesday night, injuring several and disrupting ongoing surgeries. “Doctors are now working under extreme insecurity,” he added.

The strike will continue until proper security measures are ensured for intern doctors, he warned.

Brigadier General Ashikur Rahman, Director of RMC Hospital, said discussions are underway with the authorities regarding hospital security, and he hoped the strike would end soon to ensure uninterrupted medical care.