Actor Farooque in ICU, on liquid diet

Renowned actor and lawmaker Akbar Hossain Pathan – popularly known as Farooque – is undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital since May 1 after his condition deteriorated.

The hospital has been treating Farooque since 4 March, and so far, he has stayed in the ICU for 70 days. He is presently unable to eat regular food and relying on a liquid diet, reports Prothom Alo quoting his wife Farhana Pathan.

Farhana on Tuesday said she was optimistic about Farooque's physical condition improving after he was shifted from the ICU to a cabin last month. But he was shifted back to the ICU only after two days as his condition deteriorated.

She added that the doctors provided no new updates on Farooque's condition and asked his relatives to have patience. Farhana also sought prayers from the people of Bangladesh for Farooque.

Farhana however said Farooque's condition is stable. He is able to speak and move, albeit a lot less than usual.

Farooque has been taking healthcare at Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital for the last eight years. He visited the hospital in March this year for a regular health checkup. During a medical examination, doctors found an infection on his blood.

He then got admitted to the hospital for treatment. A few days later, doctors found an infection in his brain too. Farooque had been suffering from a number of medical complications and doctors had previously warned him about falling ill suddenly and without any particular reason.

The veteran actor rocked the Dhaliwood for five decades, starring in over 150 movies including Jolchhobi (1971), Abar Tora Manush Ho (1973) and Alor Michil (1974).

After his retirement, he contested in the 2018 Bangladeshi general election and became a ruling Awami League lawmaker for Dhaka-17 constituency.