Physiotherapists besiege DGHS demanding separate college, govt jobs

Physiotherapy students have taken up positions at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Dhaka, demanding the establishment of a Bangladesh College of Physiotherapy and the introduction of first-class government posts for physiotherapists in all public hospitals.

The protest began at 10am on Wednesday, with students from 15 public and private institutions gathering under the banner of Sammilito Physiotherapy Chhatra Parishad in front of the DGHS office in Mohakhali, according to media reports.

By 12:30pm, they had locked the gates, barring people from entering or leaving the premises.

Contacted, Prof Dr Md Abu Zafar, director general of the DGHS, said, “They are protesting without paying heed to the correct process. Their demands fall under the purview of the Directorate General of Medical Education. However, they've come here.”

"We are discussing the issue of vacant posts and working to address the issue. These are young students who may not fully grasp the process. I’m going downstairs to speak with them,” he said.

The students claim that since 1973, the government has offered a five-year physiotherapy programme under the Faculty of Medicine at Dhaka University, but there has been no career planning for graduates.