Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur undergoes open-heart surgery

Shafiqur was hospitalised after falling ill and collapsing on stage during Jamaat-e-Islami’s rally at Suhrawardy Udyan last month

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has successfully undergone open-heart surgery.

He is expected to return home within a week, according to Dr Jahangir Kabir, the lead surgeon for the procedure.

The surgery was conducted on Saturday at Dhaka's United Hospital.

At a media briefing held in the afternoon, United Hospital's Chief Cardiac Surgeon Dr Jahangir said Shafiqur was taken to the operating theatre at 7am.

“The surgery went very well. We aimed to use the most advanced technology available and we succeeded. Initially, three bypasses were planned, but we performed four to ensure there are no complications. The procedure was completed without any issues.”

Dr Kabir added that Shafiqur's condition is stable.

“He may have to stay in the ICU for three to four days. He should be able to return home within seven days and resume normal activities in about three weeks.”

Shafiqur fell ill and collapsed on stage during Jamaat-e-Islami’s national rally at Dhaka's Suhrawardy Udyan on Jul 19. He was later admitted to a private hospital.