Brahmanbaria Correspondent: In protest against the decision to evict legally allotted commercial establishments at the Brahmanbaria Government Women’s College Market labeling them as illegal, the Chemists and Druggists Association has announced an indefinite strike, keeping all medicine shops closed.

The traders began this program on Monday (October 27) morning. As a result, more than a thousand medicine shops in the city remain closed, causing immense suffering to patients and the general public.

Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, president of the Brahmanbaria Chemist and Druggist Association’s municipal branch, stated that since 1983, 14 shops in the Women’s College Market have been legally rented. The traders have been paying rent regularly. However, recently these allotted shops have been labeled as illegal and attempts are being made to forcibly evict them — something they consider inhumane and unlawful.

He added that although the traders had earlier requested six months’ time for relocation through a formal agreement, the college authorities are not considering it. The traders demand an immediate halt to the eviction drive and a fair resolution for the affected businesses. They declared that this protest program will continue until a proper solution is reached.

Patients and their attendants reported that after visiting doctors and getting prescriptions, they found all pharmacies closed, leaving them unable to buy any medicines. Many expressed distress, saying they now have to go outside the city to purchase drugs. They urged for a quick resolution to the issue.

Meanwhile, students of Brahmanbaria Government Women’s College have been holding demonstrations for several days demanding the removal of illegal shops in front of the college and the construction of a new main gate.