Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui is being shifted to Banglabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital as his condition deteriorated on the third day of his hunger strike.

Siddiqui, an independent candidate for Tangail-4, has been protesting against attack on his motorcade since Sunday (Dec 17).

Around 2pm Wednesday (Dec 19) an ambulance carrying Siddiqui started for the capital upon advise of the medical team treating him at the Tangail General Hospital, where he was taken earlier in the day.

The banished Awami leader has been on a hunger strike since Monday (Dec 18) with three-point demands including the withdrawal of Kalihati police OC Mosharraf Hossain.

Tangail Geneal Hospital’s heart diseases specialist Mofazzel Hossain Tushar said, “His health is continually deteriorating as he hasn’t been eating for the last three days. His blood pressure is going down. He needs urgent medical care to prevent further harm to his health.”  

“We explained his condition to him and he agreed to be hospitalised,” he added.

Siddiqui was admitted to the Tangail hospital upon permission from Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Shahidul Islam.

Latif’s supporters came under attack on Sunday when four vehicles were also vandalised.

He  then went to the returning officer with a three-point demands claiming the attack had been carried out by ruling party MP Hassan Imam Khan’s supporters and staged a sit in that day.

On Monday he announced a hunger strike until death after no actions were taken within 24 hours.

The senior politician’s demands also include the arrest of the attackers and for the current MP’s guarantee to the returning officer he will refrain from resorting to violence.

Although four people have been held over the attack, Latif’s other demands have not been met.