Obaidul Quader Critically Ill, on Life Support at Apollo Hospital in Kolkata

Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the Awami League—whose political activities have been banned following last year’s upheaval in Bangladesh—is in a critical condition and currently on life support at Apollo Hospital in Kolkata. Hospital sources confirmed that he has been placed on mechanical ventilation, as doctors battle to stabilise his deteriorating health.

According to individuals familiar with the matter, Quader had been confined to bed for several weeks due to multiple age-related ailments. Oxygen support had been arranged at his residence in New Town, Kolkata, where he had been staying quietly since leaving Bangladesh. However, his condition reportedly worsened sharply on Friday, 2 January, when he became almost unconscious. He was rushed to Apollo Hospital, located near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. Following initial assessment, doctors placed him on ventilatory support.

Hospital officials have indicated that Quader is responding to treatment, though they caution that his condition remains extremely fragile. Medical teams are closely monitoring his vital signs, given his advanced age and long history of health complications.

Quader fled to India in the aftermath of the July mass uprising in Bangladesh, which led to the collapse of the Awami League-led government. In an interview with BBC Bangla in June last year, he stated that he still considered himself the General Secretary of the Awami League, despite the ban on the party’s political activities. During that interview, he also confirmed that he was residing in Kolkata.

He further revealed that, following the July uprising, he spent nearly three months in hiding within Bangladesh, frequently changing locations to avoid detection. Eventually, in November 2024, he left the country. Addressing questions about whether the Awami League would apologise for its repressive actions during the uprising, Quader said that such matters—apologies, admissions of wrongdoing or expressions of regret—could only be considered once party leaders were able to return to the country and resume political activity in a conducive environment.

Obaidul Quader has been a central figure in Bangladeshi politics for more than a decade. He assumed the role of Awami League General Secretary in October 2016 and held the powerful portfolio of Minister for Road Transport and Bridges from December 2011 until August 2024. Throughout this period, he was regarded as one of the most influential members of the former government, often acting as its chief spokesperson during times of political tension.

Key Facts at a Glance

As concern grows among political observers and supporters alike, doctors continue intensive treatment, while the wider implications of his condition resonate across Bangladesh’s already fragile political landscape.