The suspension of operations at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital has disrupted the medical education of hundreds of students, including many foreign nationals, by halting the clinical training and internships required to complete their MBBS degrees.
The closure followed the cancellation of the hospital's license, leaving students of Ad-Din Women's Medical College uncertain about completing their academic and internship requirements. Students and college authorities fear a prolonged shutdown could affect degree recognition for international graduates and undermine Bangladesh's standing as a destination for medical education.
According to college sources, around 500 students are enrolled across 4 academic years, while another 100 students remain in the old fifth-year curriculum. Nearly 45% of the students are foreign nationals, mainly from India's Kashmir and Assam regions, as well as Nepal and the Maldives.
Under medical education regulations, students must complete clinical training and internships at the teaching hospital affiliated with their medical college. Since the hospital remains closed, those academic activities have been suspended.
According to the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, students pursuing MBBS abroad must complete both their academic program and internship at the same institution. Students said failure to restore the hospital's license could affect the recognition of their degrees and professional registration in India.
The prolonged closure has also forced many foreign students to remain in Bangladesh longer than expected, increasing accommodation and living expenses. Students and college authorities fear the situation could affect Bangladesh's reputation as a destination for medical education.
Fourth-year student Sohfia from Kashmir told Dhaka Tribune: "Under Indian law, students studying abroad must complete their internship at the hospital affiliated with the same medical college. If we complete our internship at another hospital, that certificate will not be accepted. So we are living with deep uncertainty."
She added: "My family has already spent around Tk3.5 million on my education. Now that dream is uncertain because the hospital's license has been cancelled. Not only us, but our guardians are also extremely worried."
Third-year student Shreya said the rules of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) also require students to complete clinical classes and internships at their own institution's teaching hospital.
She said: "Those responsible for the incident should face action. But the students' future should not be harmed. We want the government to restore the hospital's license quickly."
Some Bangladeshi students are attempting to transfer to other medical colleges. However, students said existing regulations would continue to create uncertainty over internships and clinical training unless those rules are revised.
Ad-Din Foundation Director (Company Affairs) Tariqul Islam Mukul told Dhaka Tribune that although the government has instructed that students may complete internships at other medical colleges, current regulations do not permit implementation of that decision.
He said: "We have informed the government of the matter in writing. Now we are waiting for the government's decision."
Mukul said renovation work is underway at the hospital. He said the room where the child's death occurred had remained closed for a long time and has now been reopened for renovation. Engineers are working to improve ventilation, assess air circulation, and examine oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
He added: "We hope the government will restore the hospital's license, considering the future of the students."
Ad-Din Women's Medical College Hospital Principal Professor Dr Mahmuda Hassan said practical bedside training is an essential part of medical education and cannot be replaced by theoretical classes alone.
She said: "According to NMC guidelines, foreign students must complete all classes and internships at the same institution. BMDC rules also contain similar requirements. Because the hospital is closed, students are facing a major crisis."
She added: "This crisis is not only a concern for the students but also for the country. Every year, a significant number of students come here from India, Nepal, the Maldives and other countries. The current situation may damage the image of Bangladesh's medical education internationally."
The principal said examinations are being conducted at a nearby hospital with special permission. If the hospital's license is restored, the college plans to recover the academic shortfall by arranging additional classes within 20 to 25 days.
The Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas, told Dhaka Tribune that no decision has yet been made on restoring the hospital's license.
The Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain, said the next decision regarding Ad-Din Medical College will depend on the Health Directorate's decision on the hospital.