Doctors prescribed additional medicine for controlling the poet's high blood pressure that also caused lower functioning of his kidneys, according to a press release of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMUH).

The poet's level of consciousness and liver condition also remained unchanged.

Shamsur Rahman has been fighting for life for over a week at the intensive care unit of BSMMUH.

The nine-member medical board monitoring the poet's health held a meeting and informed the family members of the latest health condition of the poet yesterday.

Tia Rahman, daughter-in-law of Rahman, told The Daily Star over telephone that the condition of the poet remained unchanged.

The poet sometimes gives blank look, said the poet's sister Salma Hossain, who stayed at the hospital until 5:00pm yesterday. She said all close relatives of the poet except elder daughter Fousia and younger brother Washiur Rahman who live abroad are in Dhaka now.

She alleged that the government is not active to send the poet abroad for better treatment.

Relatives, family members and admirers as usually visited the BSMMUH yesterday to get the latest information about the poet.

There was no further initiative from the government to send him abroad.

Shamsur Rahman has been a prolific writer for over half a century. His poetry reflects the urban theme while he has also been very critical about oppression and communalism. Rahman has authored more than 100 books. He has also composed some patriotic songs that have earned immense popularity.