Policy adviser Asif Mahmud confirmed that Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has long been battling cancer and is undergoing treatment in Singapore.

He stressed that such medical issues should be approached from a humanitarian perspective:

“One cannot simply change hospitals after assuming office. Continuity of treatment is crucial, especially for cancer patients.”

Asif called on policymakers to strengthen the domestic healthcare system so that Bangladeshis no longer have to travel abroad for treatment of critical diseases. Nurjahan Begum flew to Singapore on a midnight flight yesterday.