The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Arafat Rahman Koko, the youngest son of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, will fly to Bangkok by a Thai Airways flight at about 12:30pm today for treatment, informed sources said.

Koko, who was released from the prison ward of BSMMU Hospital on Thursday on parole for two months, will get admitted in a Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Koko's wife Sharmili Rahman, two daughters and a personal physician are expected to accompany him during his stay in Bangkok.

Dr Chowdhury Meshkat Ahmed, a member of medical board on Koko's treatment in Bangladesh, yesterday attended him at his Cantonment residence twice.

Dr Meshkat, Associate Professor of BSMMU, checked up the physical condition of Koko, who has been suffering from chronic respiratory complications. He also developed other health complications, the doctor said.

He told reporters that Koko, who was under his treatment at BSMMU for last eight months, needs long time treatment he has to take oxygen every alternative hour and his condition remains unchanged.

If proper treatment is not available at Bumrungrad, Koko may be shifted to other country for appropriate treatment," Dr Meshkat indicated.

Earlier, a three-member team of the medical board comprising Dr Chowdhury Meshkat Ahmed, Dr Harisul Haque and Dr Mamun was obstructed at Jahangir gate on their way to residence of Koko. Later, only Chowdhury Meshkat Ahmed was allowed to go to Koko's residence at Shaheed Mainul Road in the Cantonment.

Dr Meshkat, who also attended Koko in the afternoon, said Koko would fly to Bangkok for better treatment.

Meanwhile, Koko's counsel Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas also told reporters that Koko's family members were doing all they could to fly him to Bangkok today for urgent medical treatment.

Koko was under observation by his private doctors at his Dhaka Cantonment residence, he said.

Koko was released through an executive order since the medical board formed by the government prescribed his overseas treatment.

Earlier, a Dhaka court also exempted him from appearing in hearing of a case filed by the Anticorruption Commission (ACC) against him.

Along with his mother, Koko was arrested on September 3 last year as an accused in the GATCO scam case.