50 workers of Magpie Composite Textile Limited in Ashulia, Savar, were hospitalized on Tuesday after suddenly falling ill with breathing difficulties, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
The incident occurred around 10:30am at the factory in the Amtala area of Kathgarh, where about 1,100 workers were on duty. Affected workers were first treated at the factory medical center and later sent to nearby hospitals as more cases emerged.
Workers reported that a strange odor came from machinery shortly before symptoms began.
“We suddenly felt a smell from the machine, then we had difficulty breathing, numbness, nausea, and dizziness,” said worker Samiul Islam from the sewing section.
Factory fire safety officer Nahid said workers showing mild symptoms were initially given rest, but more began reporting illness shortly afterward, prompting transfers to hospitals.
Dr Abdul Ahad of Savar Labzone Hospital said around 20 patients were admitted there with breathing issues, vomiting, and dizziness. Most have since stabilized, and several have been discharged after treatment, while a few were referred for further care.
The cause of the incident remains unclear and is under investigation.
