Hasina's personal docs check her for 3hrs

Doctors MU Kabir Chowdhury, left, and ABM Abdullah, centre, talk to journalists after examining Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina at the sub-jail on Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban premises yesterday. DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui, right, is also seen.Photo: STAR

Detained Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina yesterday suggested that her personal physicians form a medical board to carry out a complete medical checkup on her and place their recommendations to the government.
Two of her personal physicians--dermatologist Prof MU Kabir Chowdhury and medicine specialist Dr ABM Abdullah--yesterday examined her for about three hours at the subjail on the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban premises.
They told the ailing former prime minister that she should get admitted to a hospital as early as possible so they could examine her thoroughly.
"But she didn't agree, and instead suggested that we form a medical board immediately," Dr Abdullah told The Daily Star last night.
He said since the AL chief wants now it is the responsibility of the jail authorities as well as the government to form a board.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hasina was examined by Dr Shaila Khatun, Dr Baren Chakravarty and Dr Abdullah.
The jail authorities might call two others--ENT specialist Prof Pran Gopal Dutta and eye specialist Prof Modasser Ali--within a couple of days to see her.
Prof Pran Gopal will make recommendations whether the AL chief needs any treatment abroad for her ears, said doctors who have already visited her.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Deputy Inspector General (prisons) Major Shamsul Haider Siddiqui said, "The doctors have suggested that the Awami League president get admitted to a hospital, but she did not respond positively."
He added, "We hope she would agree to be hospitalised for the sake of her better treatment."
After checking Hasina, Prof MU Kabir Chowdhury prescribed some medicines and advised three blood tests for allergy. According to the doctors, she would have to have at least 20 diagnostic tests.
Earlier on February 21, Hasina was taken to Square Hospital for a medical checkup, first since her arrest, but as she was not prepared for any tests she was returned to the special jail. However, a 10-member medical team examined her that time.