Unauthorized bakery found at Ad-Din Hospital: Health Minister

Bangladesh’s Health Minister has revealed the existence of an unauthorized and unhygienic bakery in the basement of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka as investigators probe the deaths of six newborns, raising fresh concerns about safety standards and possible lapses at the facility.

During a surprise visit to the hospital on Saturday, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul reported finding widespread mismanagement, negligence by medical staff and an unlicensed commercial bakery operating in the hospital's basement. He said authorities are investigating whether gases or fumes from the facility could have affected patients in upper wards.

Preliminary findings indicate that six newborns died after developing severe complications in a post-operative ward where air conditioning was reportedly switched off for nearly two hours without adequate alternative ventilation. Investigators are also examining allegations of a subsequent malfunction in the cooling system that may have resulted in a gas leak.

The minister said evidence of administrative failures and professional negligence had emerged during the initial inquiry and pledged strict action against those found responsible. A police case has already been filed, while the government has expanded the investigation committee and extended its deadline to collect statements from affected mothers and complete a comprehensive review.

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The final investigation report is expected to be submitted to the ministry on June 3, after which authorities say legal and disciplinary measures will be taken based on the findings.