Staff Correspondent

Senior journalist Azahar Ali Sarkar (57) is fighting for his life under critical health conditions while being detained in the prison cell of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in the capital.

Journalist Ashrar Ali Sarkar, was transferred to the hospital's prison cell on April 29, 2026, following severe health complications.

Two high-level medical boards, comprising specialist professors from the university hospital, have completed his health examinations and diagnostic procedures. According to the medical boards' observations, Azahar Sarkar is suffering from multiple life-threatening ailments, including liver cirrhosis, kidney complications, and asthma-induced breathing difficulties. His family claims that several of these chronic conditions developed during his incarceration and have now taken a turn for the worse.

Specialist physicians have characterized his physical condition as extremely hazardous and critical, advising that at least two major surgical procedures are urgently required to save his life. To combat severe anemia, he has already been administered six bags of blood, though stabilizing his blood levels remains an ongoing challenge. Azahar Sarkar possesses the AB-positive (AB+) blood group. Doctors noted that his hemoglobin and platelet counts remain significantly below normal parameters, which poses a severe risk of uncontrollable bleeding during and after surgery.

Medical experts have recommended initiating urgent kidney-related surgery and other essential clinical treatments immediately after completing the first-phase Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (EVL) procedure. Although more than a hundred diagnostic tests, including X-rays and CT scans, have been completed so far, physicians have advised preparing for a third medical board to reassess his deteriorating state.

It is mentioned that medical teams had finalized preparations for his surgeries on three previously scheduled dates—May 18, June 2, and June 8, 2026—but had to defer the operations each time as the patient was deemed physically unfit to undergo surgery.

Currently registered as an under-trial prisoner under the Keraniganj Central Jail authorities (Prisoner No. 8855/26), Azahar Sarkar was reportedly picked up by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) from his Banasree residence on the evening of October 10, 2025, according to his family. The following day, he was shown arrested in a case filed with the Ramna Model Police Station. Azahar Sarkar has consistently maintained before the court that the allegations brought against him are entirely false and fabricated.

In light of his critical medical and humanitarian situation, Azahar Sarkar’s wife, two children, and extended family members have earnestly sought the direct intervention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to secure advanced treatment. The family has also requested the citizens of the country to pray for his speedy recovery.