Constitutional expert Dr Kamal Hossain hospitalised with pneumonia

The 88-year-old senior lawyer is being treated at a Dhaka hospital

Constitutional expert Dr Kamal Hossain, founder of the Gono Forum, has been admitted to Square Hospital in Dhaka in a critical condition.

Gono Forum General Secretary Mizanur Rahman told bdnews24.com on Friday that doctors have diagnosed Dr Kamal with pneumonia.

“[Dr Kamal] is suffering from lung pneumonia. His condition is very serious and he has been admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU),” he said.

“His physical condition is extremely weak. We are seeking prayers from the people of the country for his recovery and good health.”

Mizanur said Dr Kamal last appeared in public on Wednesday, when he attended the funeral prayers of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

He claimed that Dr Kamal’s health deteriorated after he was not allowed to enter through the VIP gate and had to make his way through the crowd despite being unwell.

“As the drafter of the Constitution and a VIP, he was not allowed to enter through the VIP gate. He endured significant physical strain and attended the funeral prayers with the public despite his illness,” Mizanur said.

Earlier, on Sept 9, Dr Kamal was hospitalised due to age-related complications and other health issues. At that time, he underwent surgery.

Now aged 88, Dr Kamal is a senior lawyer and Constitutional expert. He headed the drafting committee of the Constitution of Bangladesh in 1972.

He served as law minister, and later foreign minister in the first post-independence government led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.