Ad-Din Hospital authorities express regret over attack on journalists

Ad-Din Hospital authorities have issued a statement regarding the alleged attack on journalists following the death of six newborns at the hospital in Magbazar, capital.

In a statement signed by Tarikul Islam Mukul, Director (HR and Company Affairs) of Ad-Din Foundation, on Saturday night, May 30, the hospital expressed regret over the incident.

The statement said that after the accidental deaths of six newborns on May 27, representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services, police, RAB and other agencies visited the hospital. Due to the large number of journalists gathering, healthcare workers and patients faced various difficulties. After the health minister's visit on Friday, a large number of journalists attempted to enter the hospital. The hospital authorities tried to prevent their entry in the interest of patients. An argument ensued between hospital staff and journalists.

The statement claimed that during this time, a journalist referred to cleaning staff as 'sweepers', making them feel insulted, and they became agitated and asked journalists to leave the hospital. Senior hospital officials later tried to control the situation.

The hospital said it has always maintained cooperative relations with media professionals. The hospital authorities sincerely regret the incident that occurred on May 30 and apologise for any unintentional behaviour by hospital staff that may have caused hurt.

Earlier on Saturday, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain had said he discovered a bakery on the hospital premises. When journalists tried to visit the bakery after his inspection, security and cleaning staff allegedly attacked them, injuring three.

The health minister said a bakery was found on the eighth floor of the hospital building, where bread was produced using electric ovens, but no electrical engineer was found. Experts will examine whether gas from this bakery could have been beyond the tolerance level of the newborns. A specialist team will revisit the hospital on Sunday.

A bakery should not be located in a medical college hospital where thousands of students, patients and attendants are present. The minister admitted this was due to a lack of inspection or intelligence, and future vigilance would be ensured.

Water accumulation was also found in another area. Experts will examine whether any substance or gas from the water, the bakery or other sources could have contributed to the infant deaths.

Earlier, on May 27 morning, six newborns aged one to three days died at the hospital. The health minister visited the hospital on Saturday afternoon following the incident. He said although the investigation report was due within 72 hours, the deadline had been extended for further investigation. The report will now be submitted on June 3.