Around 60 female students residing at Dhaka University’s Kuwait Maitree Hall fell ill in a suspected waterborne illness outbreak, with several requiring medical treatment.
The affected students reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and related gastrointestinal complications. According to hall union leaders, six to seven students were in more severe condition and had to be administered intravenous saline at a medical facility.
Hall Union Vice-President Rafia Rehnuma Hridy told the Dhaka Tribune that the outbreak may have been caused by possible chemical contamination of the water supply. She noted that the illnesses began shortly after the hall’s water tanks were cleaned.
The situation peaked on May 6, when several students were taken to Shahid Mortuza Medical Centre for emergency care. However, Rafia confirmed that the condition of the students has since improved, with new cases gradually declining.
In response, the hall administration collected water and food samples from both the residential and dining areas and sent them for laboratory testing.
Provost Mahbuba Sultana stated that prompt measures were taken following the incident, including re-cleaning the water reservoir under professional supervision. She added that the number of affected students has been decreasing, indicating that the situation is now largely under control.
She also mentioned that a medical camp was set up at the hall to provide immediate assistance to affected students.
Rafia further said the hall union has been acting as a pressure group to ensure corrective measures, alleging that students often have to push the authorities for routine maintenance such as cleaning water filters and ensuring proper hygiene standards.
She added that the hall union will send additional water samples for laboratory analysis for further testing.