Bangladesh president seeking medical treatment in Singapore

Doctors were examining Bangladesh's ailing president in Singapore, where he was flown for treatment after complaining of chest pains, and he remains in a stable condition, a Bangladeshi diplomat said Thursday.

Photo: Bangladesh president seeking medical treatment in Singapore

President Iajuddin Ahmed, 75, who has a history of heart problems, arrived at Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance late Wednesday and medics carried him on a stretcher into the building.

"Doctors are trying to assess his situation before deciding on a course of action," Bangladeshi High Commissioner Munshi Faiz Ahmad told The Associated Press.

"He arrived last night in a stable condition and continues to be stable," he said.

The president was admitted to a hospital in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday complaining of chest pains, said Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, the presidential press secretary.

A five-member medical team recommended that Ahmed fly to Singapore for medical treatment, Chowdhury said.

Ahmed's wife, Anwara Begum, his son Imtiaz, his personal physician and security personnel traveled with him to Singapore.

The president is a titular head in Bangladesh, which is a parliamentary democracy with executive powers held by the prime minister.

Under the country's constitution, the speaker of the national parliament, Zamiruddin Sircar, will be acting president during Ahmed's absence, reports the AP.

I.L.