Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Rafiqul Islam Miah remains in critical condition despite undergoing successful esophageal surgery in a city hospital. The surgery was conducted on Saturday by a medical board formed for his treatment at Evercare Hospital, said his personal political secretary Moksedur Rahman Abir on Sunday.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Abir stated, “The doctors successfully completed surgery on Sir’s esophagus. He remains on life support and his condition is still critical.” He mentioned that the veteran BNP leader has been kept under doctors’ observation for the next 72 hours. “The physicians have said it is too early to make any assessment. We have to wait,” Abir added.

The two sons of the BNP leader, Rafiqul Islam Miah, have returned to Bangladesh from abroad to be by their father’s side during this critical time. Additionally, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been in regular contact with the medical team to monitor the veteran leader’s condition.

Rafiqul Islam Miah was placed on life support at Evercare Hospital on July 23 after his health deteriorated. The former minister was admitted to the hospital on July 21 and has been undergoing treatment under the supervision of specialist physician Farid Hossain.