Gynaecologists and obstetricians will go on a two-day strike from Monday across the country protesting the arrest of doctors over the deaths of two patients following a botched C-section.

Demanding their release, the physicians will abstain from work at all private chambers, diagnostic centres and hospitals, the Obstetrical and Gynaecologists Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) said in a press release today.

Dr Shahzadi Mustarshida Sultana and Dr Muna Shaha were arrested on June 15 over an alleged "mistake" that led to the deaths of a new-born and the mother, Mahbuba Rahman Akhi, 25, following a C-section at the capital's Central Hospital on June 10.

The OGSB will also form human chains at all medical colleges and hospitals today.

In the press release, the OGSB said the decision was taken at a meeting at the office of the president of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, today.

Contacted, Mostafa said, "It is their [OGSB] decision, not ours [BMA]. But we have requested everyone concerned to release the two as they were assisting the surgeon. They should not be held responsible for the deaths."