Over a hundred workers at two garment factories in Tongi, Gazipur fell ill over the past three days, raising concern among colleagues and local residents.
The incident occurred at two factories of Expert Village Limited located in Ma Hour Tower and Alam Tower in the industrial hub of Gazipur.
Workers and locals said employees had gone on strike and staged demonstrations on Sunday demanding payment of their November wages. They returned to work on Monday morning but resumed their protest later that day.
Amid the agitation, workers began falling sick in quick succession. By Tuesday morning, many were collapsing one after another, leading the situation out of control. The pattern continued on Wednesday morning, with more workers becoming ill.
Ambulances transported the affected workers to Tongi Government Hospital, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital and several nearby clinics.
Emergency Medical Officer Nahid Sultana of Tongi Government Hospital said many of the workers showed symptoms consistent with panic attacks, nausea and respiratory distress, adding that most patients were now out of danger.
The cause of the sudden illness has not yet been confirmed.
Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan of Tongi East Police Station said police have opened an investigation to determine the real cause and that legal action will follow upon completion of the inquiry.
Sujon, administrative manager of Expert Village Limited, said an internal investigation is also underway and that the management will disclose further information once the probe is concluded.
Police reinforcements have been deployed in the factory area. Fear continues to grip workers and locals, who are urging authorities to identify the cause quickly and ensure workers’ safety.
