She would remain in the CRP as an adviser.

In a letter issued by the board chairman, they also removed Taylor's name as coordinator from all parts of the organogram, citing her engagement in activities that are "prejudicial and detrimental to the interest of the CRP".

Sources, however, said the board removed Taylor as coordinator of the Savar-based CRP over a two-and-a-half-year disagreement between her and a section of the board who decided to raise the fee for the patients. It was learnt that the CRP board of trustees raised the fees of patients by several folds, making it increasingly difficult for the large body of "ultra-poor" patients of the organisation.

Taylor's removal is the latest move in the ongoing tussle between the founder and the board, which also saw removal of 12 staffs in the past for their alleged "allegiance" to Taylor and her stance.

On being contacted, Taylor said, "From my personal viewpoint, I'm not worried, but I'm very concerned for the very poorest who have to sacrifice so much just to come to the CRP." She said a number of patients told her that they have to sell their houses or their cattle to attend the facility.

Taylor said she is concerned about the spirit of CRP--treating the paralysed who come from an ultra-poor background--and its future.

She said even after her services for the rehabilitation of the paralysed in Bangladesh since 1969 and since the organisation's inception in 1979, "It is sad the way I have been sidelined, alienated...pushed out of the CRP.

"We're supposed to care for our staff and our patients, but they [the board of trustees] have wrongfully sacked 12 of our staff in the past...they were told not to speak to Valerie," she said.

Taylor also said the CRP has a 13-storey building sitting empty at Mirpur although it was built to generate income for the organisation.