Dipu Moni falls ill in prison, transferred to DMCH for treatment

Former education minister and joint general secretary of the banned Awami League Dr Dipu Moni has suddenly fallen ill while in Munshiganj District Jail. 

She was taken to Munshiganj General Hospital on Monday morning and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for advanced treatment.

According to sources at Munshiganj District Jail, Dr Moni felt unwell around 1:30 am on Monday. Prison authorities promptly took her to Munshiganj General Hospital for initial care. Following primary treatment, doctors advised her transfer to Dhaka for further medical attention.

Jail Superintendent Muhammad Enayet Ullah confirmed the development, stating that Dr Dipu Moni has kidney, thyroid, and allergy-related issues. She requires regular medical treatment and health check-ups. She was immediately shifted to hospital upon feeling unwell and later sent to Dhaka for advanced care.

Munshiganj General Hospital Superintendent Dr Md Arifuzzaman said her condition was not critical but she needed advanced treatment, leading to her transfer to DMCH.

Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Md Fazlu, who escorted her to DMCH, said she reached the emergency department around 8:15 am on Monday. She was subsequently admitted to the medicine department in the new building, where she is currently receiving treatment.

Dr Dipu Moni serves as joint general secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League. Prior to the ban on the party’s activities, she held positions as foreign minister and education minister in the Awami League-led government.

Following the resignation and departure of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid the July Movement on August 5, 2024, many Awami League leaders and affiliates went into hiding. Subsequently, several former ministers, government officials, and individuals in key state positions were arrested. Dr Dipu Moni is among those detained and is presently held in Munshiganj District Jail.