70 garment workers fall sick at Gazipur factory, holiday declared

At least 70 workers of a garment factory in Sreepur, Gazipur, have suddenly fallen sick. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, July 7, at 'Color and Co Ltd' located in Tepirbari area of Telihati union in the upazila. Considering the situation, a general holiday was declared at the factory for one day.

The sick workers have been admitted to Al-Hera Hospital at Maona intersection and various other medical centres. Doctors suspect that the workers may have suffered a 'panic attack'.

Workers said that shortly after work began in the morning, workers on one floor started experiencing vomiting, dizziness and physical discomfort one after another. At one point, many collapsed on the floor. The incident caused intense panic across the entire factory.

Aleya Akhter, a worker at the factory, said a worker named Liza Begum had died on the same floor a few days ago. This time too, workers fell ill on that same floor.

Al-Hera Hospital Manager Musa Kalimullah said 35-40 workers were admitted to the hospital. Many have gone home after primary treatment. However, more sick workers continue to arrive.

Dr Abul Hossain, Managing Director of the hospital, said the sick workers are being treated. Most workers have symptoms of vomiting and dizziness.

Regarding the sudden illness, Dr Shafiqul Islam, Sreepur Upazila Health Officer, said a panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear and anxiety without any apparent reason, accompanied by trembling, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fear of death. These symptoms usually become severe within a few minutes.

Senior officials of the local administration rushed to the hospital upon receiving information. Sreepur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Nahid Bhuiyan said she visited the hospital to see the sick workers immediately after the incident. Instructions have been given to ensure necessary treatment for the sick workers.

The official also confirmed that a one-day holiday has been declared at the factory considering the situation.