The medical board formed to monitor the president's health after a post-operative checkup yesterday observed that his condition remains steady but he is still not fit to begin full work.

"The president should not start full activities now. He can continue the light work," National Professor Brigadier (retired) MA Malik, head of the medical board, told The Daily Star yesterday.

"We will examine his condition again after four weeks," he added.

Iajuddin, 75, underwent a bypass surgery at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on May 26. His return to office ended speculations about the state of the presidency.

The medical board yesterday reviewed the health condition at the Bangabhaban on advice of the physicians of the Singapore hospital, said Malik.

"The board expresses satisfaction at the progress of rehabilitation programme. The overall health condition is steady as before, and fit to continue light office work as recommended by Mount Elizabeth Hospital,” a Bangabhaban release quoted the board physicians as saying after the checkup.

Iajuddin was admitted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka on May 23 and was flown to Singapore the next day for treatment of cardiac complications.

Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar since then discharged the duties of president until July 6.

On return from Singapore on June 20, Iajuddin did not take charge of the presidency. He was admitted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, triggering rumours that there might be a change in presidency.

He got back to the Bangabhaban on June 24 but did not take charge, adding to the rumour.