Why Politicize Ad-Din License Suspension?

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has responded to criticism from the opposition in Parliament over the government's decision to suspend the license of Ad-Din Hospital following the deaths of six newborns. He said the infants died because of an oxygen shortage and negligence, and that the government had taken necessary action to bring hospitals under proper discipline.

He made the remarks on Sunday while participating in the general discussion on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the National Parliament.

The health minister said, “Many people have pointed out that Ad-Din Hospital provides dialysis at a low cost. That is true. But just as you do not cut off a person's head because of a headache, those responsible for negligence must also be held accountable.”

“On the day before Eid-ul-Adha, six newborns died at Ad-Din Hospital in Moghbazar due to an oxygen shortage and severe mismanagement. The investigation committee found evidence of negligence by the hospital authorities,” he added.

The report also identified overcrowding, prolonged disruption of air conditioning, the absence of an alternative ventilation system, and increased carbon dioxide levels as likely causes of the deaths.

The health minister also responded to opposition comparisons between the Ad-Din incident and previous fire incidents at United Hospital and the National Burn Institute.

“The incidents at United Hospital and the Burn Unit were accidents. But negligence was involved in the Ad-Din case. The babies were struggling to survive, yet there was no oxygen in the ward. The air conditioning was not functioning, there were no windows, and not a single doctor arrived on time,” he said.

The minister alleged that the hospital owner did not visit the site during the incident.

“I went to the hospital the next day and spoke with the doctors. They also said the babies died because of negligence and a lack of oxygen,” he said.

Sakhawat Hossain said the government had not shut down the hospital but had only suspended its license temporarily.

“Even then, the issue is being presented in a political manner,” he said.

Addressing the opposition, he added, “We suspended the license. Why does every issue have to be viewed through a partisan lens? Matters involving the country's interests should not be politicized.”

The health minister also alleged that an unauthorized bakery was operating inside the hospital.

“A bakery was being run inside the hospital's six-story building. Plastic waste had accumulated there. Had a fire broken out, neither patients, attendants, nor staff would have been able to evacuate safely,” he said.

He added that the government is working to bring all hospitals under proper regulation.

“Our priority is to ensure healthcare services for the people of this country above all else,” he said.

During the budget discussion, the health minister also said the proposed budget places importance on reducing people's healthcare costs.

“In particular, the government has taken steps to reduce patients' out-of-pocket expenses and make costly treatments, including cancer care and kidney dialysis, more accessible,” he said.