Veteran BNP leader Rafiqul undergoes ‘successful’ surgery, remains ‘critical’

The medical team will monitor his condition for the next 72 hours

Veteran BNP Standing Committee member Rafiqul Islam Miah has undergone successful surgery on his esophagus while on life support at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

His condition, however, his condition remains critical, his aides said on Saturday.

The surgery was performed successfully by a medical board formed to oversee his treatment, according to his political secretary, Maksedul Rahman Abir.

"The operation on his oesophagus was successful. He remains on life support, but his condition is still critical," Abir said.

He said doctors will continue monitoring Rafiqul over the next 72 hours before assessing his recovery.

"The doctors have said it is too early to make any assessment. We have to wait," he added.

Abir said Rafiqul's two sons have returned to Bangladesh from abroad to be with him.

According to him, Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been in regular contact with the medical team and is closely monitoring Rafiqul's condition.

His health deteriorated on Jul 23, after he had been admitted to the hospital, prompting doctors to place him on life support.

He is being treated under the supervision of specialist physician Dr Farid Hossain.

The veteran politician and former minister and member of parliament was admitted to the hospital on Jul 21.