The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The health condition of detained Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil still remained critical for the second consecutive day, yesterday.

His doctors at LabAid Hospital, where Jalil is undergoing treatment, said last evening that the detained Awami League (AL) need to be treated at a better hospital in a developed country.

Jalil's wife Rehana Jalil has appealed to prison authorities to allow him to go abroad for treatment.

Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui told journalists that he visited Abdul Jalil on Wednesday night, when doctors informed him about the AL leader's illness.

"I also talked with his wife by telephone," the DIG said, adding, "We will be able to say more about his Jalil's condition after a medical board examines him on Sunday."

Meanwhile, Acting AL President Zillur Rahman, in a statement, last afternoon demanded immediate release of detained party General Secretary Abdul Jalil for proper medical treatment abroad.

Zillur Rahman said ailing Jalil was now fighting for life. He needs better treatment in the Singapore hospital where he underwent treatment before detention.

He further said Jalil's physicians informed that he is suffering from complicated ailments including severe kidney problem, blood pressure and eye troubles.

The Government should allow sending Jalil to Singapore for treatment on humanitarian ground as his condition has been deteriorating, the Acting AL Chief said.

When contacted, LabAid Group spokesperson Mesbah Azad said Jalil's condition remained unchanged.

The AL General Secretary is suffering from multiple ailments. His kidneys are in critical condition, with his blood pressure rising uncontrollably. He also has heart and liver problems and vision impairment.

Abdul Jalil was arrested on May 29 last year. He was admitted to LabAid Cardiac Hospital on July 15, 2007, after falling ill in jail.