Published : 11 Jun 2026, 09:49 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:14 AM
Health authorities have revoked the licence of Ad-din Medical College Hospital following the deaths of six newborns under what officials described as “unusual circumstances”.
The decision was announced on Thursday by Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas, head of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Addressing a press conference, the DGHS chief said: "As the response and explanation provided in the show-cause notice were not satisfactory to the authorities, the hospital's licence was cancelled under Section 11 (2) B of the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance 1982."
Pravath, however, spoke of Section 12 of the ordinance, which allows the right to appeal or seek reconsideration of the cancellation from the government within 30 days of an order.
The newborns died in succession in the post-delivery ward of the private hospital in Moghbazar on May 27, a day before Eid-ul-Azha, sending shockwaves across the country.
A health ministry investigation found “negligence” by the hospital authorities. It also identified several possible contributing factors, including overcrowding in the ward, a prolonged shutdown of air conditioning without alternative ventilation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels in the air.
A day after the findings were revealed, the DGHS issued a show-cause notice to the hospital on Jun 5, asking it to explain within three days why its licence should not be revoked over the deaths.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain Bakul said the hospital's response to the notice had been "unsatisfactory".
Before that, the hospital's lawyer Shishir Manir told reporters on Sunday that the newborns' families would each receive Tk 8 million in compensation.
He said the compensation was agreed upon through discussions between the hospital authorities and the families, adding that each family had already received Tk 1 million.
When asked about the compensation and possible legal action on Wednesday, the minister said the government would appoint lawyers over the deaths.
Ad-din Seeks Opportunity to Continue Service
Meanwhile, the hospital authorities have sought an opportunity to continue regular activities until a “final decision” is made on the licence.
Issuing a media statement, they requested that the opportunity be given “only in the interest of the patients”.
Currently, 416 patients are admitted to the hospital while about 1,000 others were treated at the outdoor department on Thursday, according to the statement.
Moreover, 60 newborns are admitted to the NICU, 20 to the ICU and four to the CCU, it adds.
