Even after receiving medical clearance, nearly 200 individuals injured during the July movement are refusing to leave three government hospitals in Dhaka. Though more than half of the 1,400 injured have already been discharged, these remaining patients continue to occupy beds, putting pressure on already overloaded facilities.
According to hospital authorities and health ministry officials, these individuals no longer require hospitalization. However, they are choosing to remain in the hospitals as a form of protest, demanding proper disbursement of financial aid and correction of issues with health cards provided by the government.
Several patients claim that while they have been given treatment, their rehabilitation remains incomplete. Some say their medical cards contain errors, while others complain they haven’t received the promised compensation or financial support yet. They argue that leaving the hospital would weaken their position in pressing the government for these pending issues.
As a result, hospitals are experiencing severe strain. Emergency and regular services are being disrupted due to bed shortages. Medical staff express frustration, stating that the lingering patients are unnecessarily occupying space meant for those in urgent need of care.
Despite repeated requests from hospital administrations, the protesters are unwilling to vacate. This has created a deadlock-like situation, with hospitals being described as “held hostage” — not by force, but by the unresolved aftermath of the July protests.
