Mass Illness Strikes Garment Factory in Gazipur for Second Consecutive Day
Photo Collected
Authorities in Bangladesh are investigating a mysterious string of illnesses at a garment factory in Gazipur after 147 workers fell ill over the span of two days. The incident, occurring at the Color and Co. Ltd. facility in the Sreepur upazila, began on Tuesday when 77 employees reported sudden symptoms of chest pain, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, followed by another 70 workers exhibiting similar ailments on Wednesday morning.
While most of the affected employees recovered after receiving saline and routine medical care at local facilities, including Al Hera Hospital in Mawna Chaurasta, the recurring nature of the health crisis has triggered an official response. Shafiul Islam, the Sreepur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, suggested that the symptoms may point to mass hysteria, as the workers recover quickly after brief treatment. He confirmed that the district civil surgeon is currently planning to form an investigative committee to determine the underlying cause of the outbreak.
The situation at the factory remains tense, exacerbated by a separate, fatal incident on June 24, when a 36-year-old female worker died during a night shift. That event sparked widespread protests, road blockades, and vandalism by the workforce, leading to a temporary factory closure. Some employees have voiced concerns regarding the environment of the facility, with reports suggesting that some laborers believe the factory may be haunted—a sentiment that prompted management to organize a religious gathering at the request of the staff.
Factory official Sanjib Kumar stated that the management remains uncertain about the cause of the illnesses but confirmed they are facilitating medical support for all affected staff. Despite the ongoing concerns, the factory continues to operate. Local law enforcement, including Sreepur police, have inspected the site and indicated that the mystery surrounding the health complaints remains under active investigation.
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