Legal notice seeks release of probe report into six newborn deaths at Ad-Din Hospital

A legal notice has been sent to eight officials of the Health Ministry, Directorate General of Health Services and police administration, demanding the release of the investigation report into the unnatural deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Magbazar, capital, along with legal action against those responsible and an explanation of the role of relevant authorities.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister M M G Sarwar confirmed sending the notice on Tuesday, June 9.

The notice recipients include the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, the Director of the Hospital and Clinic Division, two officials of the investigation committee, the Inspector General of Police and the Officer-in-Charge of Ramna Police Station.

The notice states that the unnatural deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital's Magbazar branch on May 27 have caused nationwide concern and outrage. Media reports have highlighted the hospital's mismanagement, shortage of doctors, failure in emergency healthcare services, excessive patient load, inadequate ventilation, prolonged shutdown of air conditioning systems and structural deficiencies.

The notice claims that separate investigations by the health ministry and the DGHS have found evidence of negligence and administrative failure. However, the investigation report has not yet been made public, and no visible effective action has been taken against the individuals or institutions responsible.

The notice further states that despite the hospital's structural weaknesses and violations of existing laws and regulations having existed for a long time, the relevant regulatory bodies have failed to exercise proper oversight and law enforcement. The incident is therefore not merely a matter of medical negligence but a serious violation of the fundamental right to life and legal protection guaranteed under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution.

The notice notes that although responsible government officials have termed the incident a serious criminal offence, there is no visible progress in taking effective legal action against those responsible. Inaction by the concerned police station in taking necessary measures against the accused has also been alleged.

The notice raises four demands: immediate publication of the full investigation report, disclosure of detailed information on all administrative and legal actions taken based on the investigation, an explanation of why no action has been taken against the hospital authorities if that is the case, and reasons for the inaction of relevant authorities in bringing the responsible to justice. It warns that a writ petition will be filed with the High Court if necessary measures are not taken within seven days.

Barrister M M G Sarwar said the deaths of six newborns are not merely an incident of hospital negligence but a serious matter connected to the accountability of the healthcare system and the constitutional responsibility to protect citizens' lives. Ensuring a transparent investigation, accountability of those responsible and justice is the state's duty.