Doctors of both public and private hospitals in Gopalganj district went on an indefinite strike yesterday, causing untold sufferings to the patients.

 They called the strike protesting attack on Dr Pobitra Kundu, a medical officer of Tungipara Upazila Health Complex in the district by a section of unruly locals on Friday, said Dr Abid Hasan, president of Gopalganj unit of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA).

Mona  Bharoti, 22, who was admitted to the health complex around 11:00am on Friday, died at noon due to negligence of on-duty doctor Kundu, alleged her attendants. 

As the death news spread, a number of local people, including students of Guhardanga Madrasa, assaulted Kundu.

The attackers also damaged windowpanes, doors and valuable medical equipment of the hospital. 

Refuting the allegation of wrong treatment, Dr Abid said they carried out the attack to just create anarchy.

Seriously injured Dr Kundu was admitted to National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation ( NITOR) in the capital, said Civil Surgeon Dr Sirajul Islam.

Although the doctors enforced the strike, all emergency services have been kept open to give treatment for critical patients, he said.

Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman said they arrested 12 people in a case for attacking the doctor.