Condition of poet Shamsur Rahman unchanged

A medical board comprising nine members, who examined the 78-year-old poet yesterday, said he is critically ill, according to a press release.

They said the poet has been suffering from ventricular failure and arrhythmia. His respiratory system is not working properly while the level of sugar in the blood is fluctuating.

The elderly poet who is frequently losing his consciousness is also suffering from acute hepatitis with evidence of liver failure, said the doctors.

Poet Shamsur Rahman was first admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases with severe breathing problems and chest pain on Saturday night. He was shifted to BSMMU on Sunday afternoon on the doctors' recommendation.

BSS adds: State Minister for Cultural Affairs Begum Selima Rahman visited the ailing poet at BSMMU yesterday.

She spent some time beside the poet, inquired about his health and prayed for his early recovery.

Nazrul Institute Executive Director Poet Abdul Hye Shikder and Director of the Public Directorate Poet Shafique Alam Mehedi were present.