Morris Chu, consultant physician of Mount Elizabeth Hospital where Iajuddin had a successful bypass, told private satellite television channel ATN Bangla in an interview that the president's physical condition was okay to get back to work after he returned to Bangladesh. ATN Bangla aired Morris's interview yesterday.

The president himself was also very well informed about his physical condition. On his return from Singapore on June 20, he was admitted to Dhaka Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and was shifted to Bangabhaban later.

No one is being allowed to meet Iajuddin at the Bangabhaban due to his 'illness'. Instead of Iajuddin, Speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar is serving as president-in-charge resulting in a countrywide controversy.

"He returned to Bangladesh with a physical condition to resume work. There was is also no prohibition on him to meeting anyone. The president was also informed about these," Morris Chu told the TV channel.

Iajuddin was flown to Singapore in an air ambulance on May 24 and stayed there for a month for medical treatment. He underwent a bypass on May 26.

A specialised physicians team headed by Cardiac Surgery Specialist MC Tong conducted the operation on the president while Morris Chu and personal physician to the president Col Sheikh Bahar Hossain were present.

"After such operation, the patients are generally suggested 15 to 20 days rest depending on their age," Morris said.

Iajuddin was flown back 25 days after his operation and was taken straight to the CMH from Zia International Airport.

Quoting CMH physicians, Bangabhaban said the president needs eight weeks of rest and no one can meet him during this period.

But Morris Chu said Iajuddin met his relatives, friends and visitors during his 25-day rest in Singapore. There was no prohibition on that. "In most cases, patients recover four to six weeks into their surgery and can resume work," he added.