Ershad on ‘life support’
Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad, now undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, has been placed on life support as his condition deteriorated, reports UNB.
The 89-year-old former military strongman was put on life support at 4:10pm on Thursday, his deputy press secretary Khandaker Deloar Jalali told UNB.
On Monday, health minister Zahid Malik said the Jatiya Party chairman was put on life support as his condition turned critical.
But Jatiya Party acting chairman GM Quader on Tuesday claimed that he was only given oxygen support for his respiratory problem.
Earlier on Thursday, GM Quader said the health condition of Ershad was not improving as physicians expected.
"His (Ershad's) health condition remained unchanged," he said while speaking at a press conference at Jatiya Party chairman's Banani office.
The Jatiya Party acting chairman said his brother's drowsiness has increased and he remains asleep almost all the time. "Physicians are not considering it as a good sign."
He said urea in Ershad's blood is now high, causing the drowsiness, and physicians are trying to control it. "The CMH physicians have been providing the former president the world-class treatment in consultation with specialist physicians at home and abroad."
Quader, however, said Ershad will be taken aboard if CMH physicians suggest. "If necessary, we'll bring physicians from abroad."
He said neither the infection in his brother's lungs is easing as per expectation nor the kidneys are functioning properly.
The Jatiya Party leader said the physicians are working sincerely to ensure the best treatment to Ershad.
He urged the people of all religions to pray for the quick recovery of Ershad on Friday in their religious institutions.
Ershad, also the leader of the opposition in parliament, was admitted to the CMH on 26 June as his condition deteriorated.
The former military ruler has been suffering from various old age complications, including low haemoglobin and liver problem, high bilirubin and serious keen pain.