Asma Begum, whose only functioning kidney was mistakenly' removed by doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital about a month ago. Is now seriously ill at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BMU) with both her legs swollen.

She was shifted to the BMU from DMCH on Monday.

While visiting her at the dialysis unit of the hospital yesterday. Asma told this correspondent that she had acute pain in her .legs in the morning. "I have recurring pain thia

morning. Doctors injected drug to relieve me of pain about an hour ago.” Asma said.

’She may have developed other complications but doctors do not communicate with me,” Asma's mother said

Asked about Asma's condition. attending doctors refused to say anything. "Our lips are fastened, we cannot make comments." one doctor said.

When contacted. Prof Ha-roon-ur-Rashld. Head of Nephrology Department, at the hospital who is. supervising her treatment also refused to say anything. "Vice-chancellor’s authorisation is required before making any comments."

Vice-chancellor of BMU Prof Mazhar All Quaderi when contacted said: "Asma will receive all possible attention at BMU. We will do our best to provide her with the best possible treatment here."

Asked why she was transferred to BMU. the VC said. "It was the decision of the Syndicate members;:,. .

Asked about Asma's swollen legs, the VC said. "It is due to use ol catheter. She will recover soon."

Asma will be able to lead a normal life only if she receives a kidney.

Dr Mahmuda Khatun of DMCH. who was among the doctors who performed tne operation at the DMCH earlier said that the other kidney of Asma was not functioning since her birth.

Until a kidney is implanted. Asma has to rely on haemodialysis to eliminate her body waste (uric acids ect). She now receives haemodialysis for about 12 hours a week.

The High Court on Wednesday issued a rule nisi on the Health Secretary. Principal of DMC. Director of DMCH and Prof Mahmuda Khatun. Dr Go-lam Mostafa and Dr Fatema Begum of DMCH asking them why the removal of Asma Begum's kidney should not be declared illegal.