Bangladesh News

Physical condition of Abdul Jalil, general secretary of Awami League (AL), has been deteriorating.

Jalil has been undergoing treatment at Labaid Cardiac Hospital in the capital for the last several months.

Commenting on Jalil’s health, the hospital’s chief cardiologist Dr Matiur Rahman said, “Abdul Jalil has been suffering from multiple ailments. His condition became critical since last week as both of his kidneys have not been functioning properly. As a result, his face, hands and legs have swollen.”

The 67-year-old AL general secretary was detained on May 28 on charge of violating emergency power rules. A few days later, in June, he was admitted to the hospital with various complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney, neurological and eye ailments.

Dr Matiur, Jalil’s physician for the last two years, also said that as Jalil’s condition deteriorated recently, they changed his medication. Jalil will be under close observation till Sunday when a board of doctors are scheduled to examine him, added the doctor.

“The board of doctors on Sunday will decide whether Jalil will need dialysis or transplant,” Dr Matiur said.

However, Jalil is reluctant to undergo any dialysis, Dr Matiur told The Daily Star.

“At his present health condition, it would be risky for Jalil to undergo kidney transplant surgery in Bangladesh. It would be better if Jalil was treated in Singapore where he regularly goes for treatment,” he added.

Maj Samsul Haider Siddique, deputy inspector general (DIG-prisons), said, “Doctors have said that his health condition is deteriorating.”

Asked if Jalil would be allowed to go to Singapore for treatment, the DIG said, “It isn’t possible according to the jail code. However, they [doctors at Labaid] are trying to ensure the best treatment for ailing Jalil.”

About seven months into his arrest, a case was filed against Jalil on December 18. The case, however, failed to make any mentionable progress till the date.