Legal notice seeks judicial probe into deaths of six infants at Ad-din Hospital
A Supreme Court lawyer has served a legal notice on the government, demanding the formation of an independent judicial inquiry commission to investigate the recent deaths of six children at Ad-Din Hospital in the capital.
Speaking to the media today (31 May), Supreme Court lawyer and National Lawyers' Council Chairman Advocate SM Zulfikar Ali Junu said he had sent the notice to the health minister, health secretary, home secretary, law secretary, inspector general of police (IGP), director general of RAB and other relevant authorities.
The notice also calls for a judicial investigation into the incident and nationwide mobile court drives to assess the quality of emergency medical services and curb irregularities in private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres.
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According to the notice, the Constitution of Bangladesh recognises the protection of citizens' lives, healthcare and security as fundamental responsibilities of the state. It argues that the government is obligated to ensure safe, quality, effective and accountable healthcare services for the public.
The notice states that allegations of irregularities, negligence and mismanagement have long persisted in the country's private healthcare sector, including concerns over licensing, availability of trained personnel, emergency medical facilities, critical care units and the management of life-saving medical equipment.
It says the recent deaths of six children at Ad-Din Hospital have sparked widespread concern, grief and anxiety across the country, making it imperative to determine the actual cause of the incident, ensure accountability of those responsible and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the public interest, the notice urges the authorities to immediately launch special monitoring and enforcement drives at private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres nationwide.
It also calls for inspections of hospital licences, approvals, medical equipment, fire safety measures, infection control protocols and patient safety systems through mobile court operations.
The notice further recommends assessing the adequacy of manpower, modern equipment, oxygen supply systems and overall operational capacity in critical care facilities, including ICUs, CCUs, HDUs and NICUs.
It also seeks verification of the registration status, professional qualifications and performance of doctors, nurses, medical technologists and other healthcare personnel.
Additionally, the notice calls for strict legal action against hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres found to be operating without proper licences or providing substandard or fraudulent healthcare services.
It also demands the formation of an independent judicial inquiry commission headed by a High Court judge to investigate the deaths of the six children, publication of the inquiry findings, legal action against those found responsible, and fair compensation and support for the affected families.
The authorities have been asked to take visible and effective measures on the issues raised within 15 days of receiving the notice.
Failing that, the notice warns that appropriate legal steps, including the filing of a public interest writ petition, may be pursued under the Constitution and existing laws.
