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and therefore we should conduct our own investigation,” Prof Zahid Raihan, DGHS additional director general (administration), told The Daily Star.

The newborns, aged between one and four days, died within hours of each other from 6:00am on Wednesday at the hospital in Dhaka’s Moghbazar.

Two were brought dead to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the post-operative delivery room, while four died under treatment at the NICU, according to hospital authorities.

The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. However, DGHS officials and family members alleged that lapses in management and ventilation in the post-operative room may have contributed to the deaths.

On the day of the incident, the health ministry formed a separate three-member probe committee led by Md Mohasin, a joint secretary. It was asked to submit its report within three days.

The committee later added four additional members, including a deputy attorney general, and rescheduled its report submission to June 3.

“We hope our committee will also submit its report on the same day. We do not want any aspect of the incident to remain uncovered,” Prof Zahid said.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the attorney general and Deputy Attorney General Al Faisal Siddique were invited to the meeting to provide legal guidance.

“We briefed them on the steps taken and the investigation process. He [the attorney general] provided legal advice, and we will proceed accordingly,” he said.

He said more details of the incident will be shared after receiving the report.

The attorney general said he explained the legal measures available to the government at the meeting.

“First, it is clearly a criminal issue, as six newborns have died. There are allegations of negligence by the hospital authorities. Liability of doctors, nurses and authorities will be determined through investigation,” he said.

He added that a criminal case has already been filed by a victim’s guardian. “The investigation will determine whether any criminal offence occurred. We also discussed whether the hospital complied with required government guidelines.”

“As a state law officer, I will provide legal guidance to ensure accountability and prevent any legal loopholes,” the attorney general added.