Panic and outrage spread across the capital after six newborn babies died within hours of each other at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar early Wednesday.

According to hospital and police sources, the infants — all aged between one and two days — died at the hospital’s neonatal and post-operative unit during the early hours of May 27.

Family members alleged that several babies in the ward had been crying excessively, vomiting, and suffering from breathing difficulties throughout the night. They also claimed that adequate medical attention was not provided in time.

Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Zahidul Islam of the Ramna Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said six newborns in the post-operative unit died around dawn. However, the exact cause of the deaths has yet to be confirmed.

He added that multiple teams from police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were working at the scene to investigate the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest that a malfunction in the ward’s air-conditioning system and a possible gas leak may have contributed to the tragedy, though investigators said it is too early to determine whether those factors directly caused the deaths.

Hospital sources said there were 11 mothers and at least 12 to 13 newborns admitted to the ward at the time. Relatives claimed that several other babies also fell critically ill during the incident.

One grieving grandmother questioned the hospital’s response, saying patients should have been transferred elsewhere if the authorities were unable to manage the situation.

Another mother alleged that the babies began showing unusual symptoms, including persistent crying and vomiting, during the night. She said doctors later spoke of transferring the infants to the NICU, but shortly afterward informed families of the deaths.

Tarikul Islam Mukul, administrative director of the hospital, said the incident occurred late at night and that authorities would issue an official statement after gathering detailed information.

The incident has sparked concern within the healthcare sector, with authorities expected to determine through investigation whether negligence or system failure played any role in the deaths.