Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has defended the government's show-cause notice issued to Ad-din Medical College Hospital, insisting that the move was taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations despite the hospital's claims to the contrary.
Speaking on Saturday, the minister said authorities were carefully reviewing all relevant legal provisions governing hospital operations and licensing and would proceed based on the hospital’s response to the notice.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued the show-cause notice on Thursday after an investigation found evidence of negligence and other lapses linked to the deaths of six newborns at the hospital on 27 May. The notice asked the hospital to explain why its licence should not be cancelled, with a deadline set for Sunday afternoon.
Sakhawat Husain said the government would take necessary action after reviewing the hospital’s explanation. If no response is submitted within the stipulated time, authorities will act in line with applicable laws, he added.
The minister’s remarks came after lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, representing the affected families and involved in mediation efforts, argued that the notice was not issued in accordance with legal procedures. He said the hospital intends to challenge the matter through legal channels and seek a hearing with the DGHS.
Rejecting the allegation, the minister maintained that the notice fully complies with legal requirements.
He also dismissed suggestions that the case against the hospital had been weakened because some victims’ family members attended a press briefing organised by the hospital and opposed its closure. According to the minister, the deaths of six newborns constitute a serious offence, and the regulatory process will continue independently.
The health minister further alleged that the hospital had been operating for the past three years without fire safety clearance. He said agencies including the Fire Service and the Department of Environment would take action under their respective jurisdictions if violations are confirmed.
The government is expected to decide on further steps after receiving and reviewing the hospital’s formal response.
