Health Minister Probes Rooftop Bakery at Hospital

The gate of Ad-din Medical College Hospital in Mogbazar, Dhaka.

Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul visited Ad-Din Hospital and Medical College in Dhaka on Friday as part of an investigation into the deaths of six newborns, raising concerns after discovering a bakery operating on the rooftop of the medical college building.

During the inspection, the minister examined hospital facilities and visited the rooftop bakery, where he found two electric ovens in operation. He expressed concern over the absence of an electrical engineer, saying only a mechanical assistant was present at the site.

The minister said he had previously received reports about a bread-making facility inside the hospital premises and indicated that authorities would further review the matter.

He also criticised the overall condition of parts of the facility, pointing to poor sanitation, garbage accumulation, and stagnant water. Describing the environment as unacceptable for a hospital accommodating patients, students, and attendants, he said closer monitoring and stricter oversight would be introduced.

An expert team is expected to inspect the premises to determine whether emissions from the bakery or other environmental factors could pose health risks, particularly to newborns. Authorities will also investigate whether stagnant water or airborne substances may have contributed to unsafe conditions.

The minister said officials detected an unusual smell inside a post-operative room during the visit, which will also be examined as part of the investigation. A probe report into the infant deaths is expected within the next few days.