The physicians in Khulna district on Saturday postponed their protest programme for seven days.

Khulna unit leaders of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) announced the decision on Saturday noon.

Dr Baharul Alam, president of Khulna unit BMA, said they postponed the strike for seven days upon assurance from Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukdar Abdul Khaleque and local administration of taking action, including arrest of the accused police officer.

Earlier, on Saturday morning, Khulna City Corporation Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Awami League Central Organizing Secretary SM Kamal, delegation of the Directorate General of Health Services, Khulna unit BMA, BPMPO, and Clinic Owners Association held another meeting at BMA building.

A delegation of the Directorate General of Health Services went to Khulna and held a meeting with doctor leaders in Khulna on Friday night for five hours in this regard but no one could reach a point to call off or postpone the strike. .

The physicians in Khulna have been observing work abstention since Wednesday following physical assault of their colleague Sheikh Nishat Abdullah, head of Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Specialised Hospital, by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of police Naim, the husband of a female patient, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Sheikh Nishat.

Outdoor healthcare services in all private and public hospital remained suspended during the strike that caused immense suffering to hospitalised patients and others who sought medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the accused ASI Naimuzzaman Naim was closed with Satkhira district police line on Wednesday night in connection of the incident and departmental investigation has been started, according to Kazi Moniruzzaman, superintendent of Satkhira police.