Dhaka, June 4: The Health Minister has warned that those responsible for the tragic deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Hospital in Moghbazar, allegedly caused by air-conditioning failure and gross negligence, will face the maximum punishment permitted under Bangladesh’s existing laws.
After receiving the investigation committee’s report, the minister stated firmly, “We will go as hard as the law allows. This time, no one can be forgiven.”
The remarks were made during a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the conference room of the Ministry of Health at the Secretariat, where the minister presented the key findings of the investigation and answered questions from journalists.
The minister said that a three-member investigation committee formed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) submitted its report at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. The report found evidence of negligence by the hospital authorities as well as serious lapses by the nurses and staff on duty.
Responding to a question from reporters, the minister said, “The investigation report clearly establishes criminal wrongdoing and negligence. We have already sealed the post-operative room where the incident occurred. However, since more than 200 patients are currently admitted to the hospital, it cannot be shut down immediately. Over the next two days, we will review the legal aspects, and by Sunday, God willing, we will reach a final and strict decision regarding the hospital.”
The minister said the Health Ministry is taking steps to curb widespread mismanagement in hospitals. “Through surprise inspections conducted jointly by the secretary, the DG, the state minister and others, along with the strict legal measures we are preparing, I firmly believe no hospital authority will dare again to keep patients or children in a sealed room under such conditions,” he said.
He further revealed that the investigation committee has recommended making prior clearance from the Department of Environment and mandatory building inspections a requirement for issuing new licenses to private hospitals. The ministry has already begun work to implement these recommendations.
When asked whether the deaths were being treated as professional negligence or a criminal offense, the minister replied, “This is undoubtedly a serious criminal offense, and a case has already been filed. Due to emotional circumstances, the families took the bodies without autopsies, which the accused may try to exploit legally. However, this was not a secret incident that occurred under the cover of darkness—it is a fully established fact. I firmly believe the courts will not grant any leniency to the accused.”
Citing the investigation report, the minister said that Post-Operative Room No. 2 at Ad-Din Hospital was not suitable for hospital operations. The 900-square-foot room contained far more people than its intended capacity. Because the air-conditioning system remained off for an extended period and there was no alternative ventilation, oxygen levels dropped dangerously while carbon dioxide levels increased, creating conditions that newborns could not tolerate.
Concluding the briefing, the minister said, “We are holding one Zoom meeting after another with deputy commissioners and civil surgeons to ensure proper healthcare services. Our directives and oversight measures will become increasingly strict, and the public will soon see the results on the ground.”
The Health Secretary, the Director General of the DGHS, and other relevant officials were also present at the press conference.
