Zafar Iqbal must remain in hospital ‘for a few days’

Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is out of danger but will need a few days to recover, doctors say.

Prof Yasmeen Haque, wife of Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, speaks to the media at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday. Photo: asif mahmud ove Prof Yasmeen Haque, wife of Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, speaks to the media at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday. Photo: asif mahmud ove

The popular writer was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital, or CMH, in Dhaka after suffering injuries on his head, back and hand during a stabbing attack. Doctors at CMH gave an update on his condition to the media on Sunday.

“At the moment he is conscious, aware and out of danger,” said CMH Consultant Surgeon General Maj Gen Munshi Md Mojibur Rahman.

“The hospital is restricting visitors to ensure a speedy recovery and minimise the risks of an infection. We hope to have everyone’s cooperation on this matter.”

Prof Yasmeen Haque, wife of Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, speaks to the media at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday. Photo: asif mahmud ove

A man attacked and injured Prof Iqbal, a teacher at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, during a campus event on Saturday.

The attacker, a madrasa student named Faizur Rahman, also known as Faizul, was apprehended by teachers and students. He was later taken into RAB custody. Two of his uncles were also detained by law enforcers.

Prof Iqbal was first taken to Osmani Medical College Hospital for surgery and then transferred by air ambulance to Dhaka’s CMH.

Dr Mojibur Rahman said Prof Iqbal had suffered four injuries to the head and one each to the back and left hand.

Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is being taken to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital after he was stabbed during a programme on Shahjalal University of Science and Technology campus on Saturday.

“His mental condition is stable and he is aware of his surroundings. He was able to take liquid food this morning. He will need a few days to recover.”

Asked whether he would need to go abroad for treatment, the consultant surgeon general said that he was not recommending it at the moment.

Asked whether law enforcers could take his testimony, Dr Rahman said that it would be best to wait.