Legal action over 6 newborns' deaths based on probe reports: Health minister

Legal action will be taken over the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Hospital based on the findings of probe committees, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today (1 June).

A probe committee formed by the Ministry is already investigating the incident while another investigation committee will be formed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the minister told reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat.

The health ministry sought legal advice from the attorney general regarding the scope and functioning of the DGHS-led investigation committee, he added.

"The formation of an investigation committee by the DGHS is necessary. Due to the Eid holidays, it could not be formed earlier. The committee will be constituted today and is expected to submit its report within three days," he said.

He said the committee needs to speak with the mothers of the deceased newborns to make the report more comprehensive and practical.

The ministry invited the attorney general to provide guidance on the legal aspects of the investigation and on how to proceed in accordance with the law, he added.

"We informed the attorney general about the steps we have taken and the process being followed. He has provided legal advice and we will carry out the remaining tasks accordingly. We expect to receive the report within three days and will share the details afterward," he added.

After the meeting, Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal said discussions focused on identifying any liability and ensuring that appropriate legal measures are taken against those found responsible.

The head of the investigation committee informed the meeting that the report would be submitted by 3 June, he said.

Deputy Attorney General Al Faisal Siddiqui has been included in the committee to provide legal support and ensure that no individual or institution found responsible can evade accountability through legal loopholes, he said.

"The health minister sought legal assistance and I have outlined the relevant legal issues before the minister and the committee. We believe those genuinely responsible will face justice. We hope such incidents do not recur in the future," the attorney general said.

Meanwhile, the minister said Ad-Din Hospital authorities said it obtained a licence from the Department of Environment to operate a bakery on its premises.

"We are examining how and why the licence was issued," he said.

On 27 May, six newborns died in its postnatal ward at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital within three hours in Moghbazar area of the capital.