Student protest intensifies over Unani-Ayurvedic Council demand

Students of government Unani and Ayurvedic medical colleges continued their demonstration for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding the formation of an independent Unani-Ayurvedic Council.

The protestors began their sit-in around 11:00 AM in front of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) at Mohakhali, surrounding the “Sheba Bhaban” and effectively blocking access to the building. Demonstrators began gathering at the premises from 10:00 AM, carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “One demand, one goal — we want an independent council,” “Cancel the illegal letter,” and “Unani-Ayurvedic doctors mean pride, syndicate politics means shame.”

“We will not return home until our demand is fulfilled,” said the protesting students. “We will continue our program as long as necessary.”

Students have expressed disappointment over what they describe as the government's continued indifference, even after three days of uninterrupted protest. The movement has continued to gain strength, with participation from students of newer academic batches.

The protest stems from an official order issued on June 30 by the Medical Education-2 branch of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division, which students claim has created confusion and concern regarding the future of Unani-Ayurvedic medical education. They argue that the directive is unilateral, biased, and contrary to policy, posing threats to their registration, job prospects, and opportunities for higher education.

The agitation began on July 7 with the students laying siege to the Health Education Directorate. On July 8, they escalated the protest by blocking the main gate of the DGHS. The third day of demonstrations saw students intensify their actions by surrounding the main administrative building of the health directorate.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the situation remained tense, with no official statement from the health ministry regarding the students’ demands.