More than 50 workers of a garment factory fell ill suddenly in Gazipur on Monday morning, prompting the authorities concerned to suspend operations for the day. Most of the affected workers have received treatment and returned home, officials said.
The incident occurred around 10:00 am at Bangladesh Pan Asia Clothing Limited, a garment factory located in the Bhogra (Chowdhury Bari) area of Gazipur city. The factory employs approximately 2,200 workers.
According to workers, they started work as usual in Monday morning when several workers suddenly began experiencing dizziness and vomiting. Within a short time, the number of affected workers rose to more than 50.
Factory authorities took them to Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College Hospital and Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital for treatment. While most were discharged after receiving primary care, at least 15 workers remain hospitalized. Doctors said all admitted patients are currently out of danger.
Harun-or-Rashid, Senior Executive of Bangladesh Pan Asia Clothing Limited, said a few workers initially became unwell roughly two hours after the workday began, before several others also collapsed after complaining of dizziness. Around 40 workers were treated at Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College Hospital, he added.
Gazipur Civil Surgeon Dr Mamunur Rahman said the workers appeared to be suffering from a psychological condition, commonly associated with symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent (SP) Amjad Hossain said he visited both hospitals and spoke with the affected workers. According to hospital authorities, around 55 workers were admitted. Physicians have described the incident as a case of “mass hysteria” or “mass psychogenic illness,” he said.
Officials confirmed that all affected workers are now in stable condition, and many have already returned home after treatment.
