Over a hundred female workers suddenly fall ill at Adamjee EPZ

Over a hundred female workers have suddenly fallen ill at a garment factory in Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) of Siddhirganj in Narayanganj. However, the reason for their illness could not be confirmed yet.

The incident occurred on the second and third floors of the new building of Universal Menswear Limited in Adamjee EPZ from after noon on Saturday (August 22).

Talking to the factory workers, it was learnt that from after noon the female workers working on those two floors started falling ill one after another. With the passage of time the number of sick workers crossed one hundred. They were later taken to the Bepza Medical Hospital of the EPZ.

The sudden illness of so many workers at a time created panic among the other workers of the factory. Many started running here and there. Considering the situation, although the factory was scheduled to be closed at 9pm, the workers were given leave around 7:30pm.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a worker of the factory said workers on the second and third floors of the new building started falling ill from after noon. Initially a few fell ill but later the number increased rapidly.

However, general manager of the factory Billal Hossain said they came to know that seven to eight workers suddenly fell ill and a few more were feeling unwell. The actual cause of the illness could not be confirmed yet. The sick workers are being given treatment at the hospital.

On the other hand, additional executive director of Bepza at Adamjee EPZ Nasrin said it is primarily assumed that a few of the workers have been affected by heat stroke. According to the information available to her, about 20 workers have fallen ill and are receiving treatment. Arrangement for their advanced treatment has been made.

However, there is a difference in the statements of the factory authorities and Bepza regarding the cause of the workers’ illness. Concerned persons said further tests and examinations are needed to know the actual cause.