Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Md Zahid Raihan said it would be very difficult to determine the actual cause behind the deaths of six newborns at the Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in the capital without conducting postmortem examinations.

Talking to reporters after visiting the hospital, he said identifying the root cause without postmortem would be “difficult,” though legal proceedings could still move forward based on circumstantial evidence.

“Without postmortem, identifying the actual incident is difficult. In that case, the court of law will determine the course of legal proceedings based on circumstantial evidence,” he said.

“If you ask for my opinion, then for such unusual and abnormal deaths, the legal and proper procedure is to conduct postmortem examinations,” he added.

Referring to the sensitivity surrounding the issue, Dr Raihan said the deceased babies were extremely small and vulnerable.

“One guardian brought a baby to me and asked where we would conduct incisions on such a tiny body. I could not answer him,” he said, adding that he personally feels the matter should largely be left to the decision of the guardians.

However, he noted that legal obligations still exist even if some parents are unwilling to allow postmortem examinations.

“Many guardians told us they do not want postmortem examinations on their babies. Even if they are unwilling, there are certain legal obligations. Procedures will have to be maintained accordingly,” he said.

Dr Raihan said officials have already discussed the matter with the Ramna Division deputy commissioner of police, stressing that postmortem examinations would be preferable for the investigation.

He added that even if postmortems are ultimately not conducted, the investigation process will continue and the matter could proceed to the highest levels of the legal system.