The 89-year-old former military strongman was put on life support at 4:10pm on Thursday, said his brother and Jatiya Party acting chairman GM Quader.
At a press conference at the party’s Banani office in the evening, he also said though Ershad’s infection in lungs has eased, he is suffering from respiratory problem. “Though his kidneys are slightly working, wastes are not releasing from his body. That’s why he has been put on life support.”
Quader also said the CMH doctors emailed his brother’s all reports to Singapore National University Hospital, but they did not suggest sending him there by air ambulance.
He also said doctors think Ershad is not in a condition to send abroad.
Earlier at noon, GM Quader said the health condition of Ershad was not improving as physicians expected.
“His (Ershad’s) health condition remained unchanged,” he said while speaking at a press conference at Jatiya Party Chairman’s Banani office.
The Jatiya Party acting chairman said his brother’s drowsiness has increased and he remains asleep almost all the time. “Doctors are not considering it as a good sign.”
He said urea in Ershad’s blood is now high, causing the drowsiness, and doctors are trying to control it. “The CMH doctors have been providing the former president the world-class treatment in consultation with specialist doctors at home and abroad.”
Quader, however, said Ershad will be taken aboard if CMH doctors suggest. “If necessary, we’ll bring doctors from abroad.”
He said neither the infection in his brother’s lungs is easing as per expectation nor the kidneys are functioning properly.
The Jatiya Party leader said the doctors are working sincerely to ensure the best treatment to Ershad.
He urged the people of all religions to pray for the quick recovery of Ershad on Friday in their religious institutions.
Ershad, also the leader of the opposition in parliament, was admitted to the CMH on June 26 as his condition deteriorated.
The former military ruler has been suffering from various old age complications, including low haemoglobin and liver problem, high bilirubin and serious keen pain.