Panic has gripped Pabna’s Bera upazila after 41 students of Kazirhat High School reportedly fell unconscious during class over the past two days.
On Monday morning, 35 students from classes 6 and 7 lost consciousness while attending lessons, following a similar incident involving six students the previous day, according to school authorities, reports UNB.
According to local sources, at around 3pm on Sunday, six students from class 7 suddenly lost consciousness while in class. They were promptly provided with first aid at a nearby hospital and subsequently discharged to their families.
The following day, some 35 other students from classes 6 and 7 experienced similar symptoms and also received preliminary treatment before being released to their guardians.
Reports suggest a strong, unusual odour was detected in both classrooms where the incidents occurred, leading to suspicions that a chemical substance may have been involved.
The recurring nature of the incidents sparked concern among parents and locals.
Several guardians expressed frustration over what they viewed as the school’s inadequate response following Sunday’s initial episode. They also raised concerns regarding the school’s hygiene and security measures.
One guardian speculated, “It is possible that miscreants entered the classrooms and used a sedative spray of some kind.”
Acting Headmaster Md Farhad Hossain stated, “We suspect that an intoxicating substance may have been sprayed. An internal investigation is ongoing, and appropriate legal action will be taken if any individual is found responsible.”
Bera Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tahmina Sultana Nila noted, “The incidents may be the result of extreme heat or food poisoning. However, nothing can be determined without proper testing. Our medical team is on the ground. Further health assessments will reveal the actual cause.”
Bera Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Morshedul Islam confirmed, “We have been informed of the situation and instructed the school authorities to take immediate steps.”