The doctors and staff of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) yesterday shut all medical services of the outdoor unit following an alleged attack on some doctors by the angry relatives of a patient who died at the hospital on October 29. The Intern Doctors' Union of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) said in a written statement: “Some relatives of a patient attacked two doctors and four Ansars in the CCU. Dr Shamim’s hand was broken. This is why they will not treat outdoor patients till the attackers are punished and their safety is confirmed.” Outdoor facilities were not provided yesterday, and the emergency unit was closed for three hours on October 29.

Intern doctor Humayun Kabir said: “We take utmost care in providing treatment and have to work hard every day. But unfortunately, we are not safe. Sometimes we have to face such situations. Someone attacks and injures us. This is totally unacceptable.”

Raihanul Islam, a patient from Narayanganj, said: “I don’t know what happened here. But when I wanted to buy an outdoor ticket in the morning, they told me to go elsewhere for treatment.”

Prof  Khan Abul Kamal Azad, principal of the DMC, said: “Some relatives of a patient attacked doctors, alleging that the patient died as proper care was not taken. But that’s not true. The condition of the patient was critical. I have spoken to the interns. They will be back on their job from Wednesday.”