More than 50 workers were hospitalized after suddenly fainting or falling ill at a garment factory in the Bhogra area of Gazipur city on Monday morning.
The incident took place at PanAsia Clothing Limited in the Bhogra Chowdhury Bari area. Following the incident, factory authorities declared a one-day holiday.
According to industrial police and factory sources, workers began feeling dizzy shortly after joining work in the morning. Several workers lost consciousness, while many others reported similar symptoms, including dizziness and vomiting.
At least 50 workers were taken to Tairunnesa Memorial Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital for treatment. Most returned home after receiving primary treatment, while several remained admitted. Doctors said all patients are now out of danger.
Factory sources said around 2,200 workers are employed at the factory.
Harun Or Rashid, a senior executive at the factory, said around 50 workers became ill one after another during working hours. Of them, 40 were admitted to hospital.
Gazipur Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Mamunur Rahman said the workers were suffering from what doctors identified as a mass psychogenic illness. Many showed symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting.
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Md. Amjad Hossain said about 55 workers had been admitted to two hospitals. He confirmed that most had already returned home after treatment.
Workers said fear had spread inside the factory after a worker named Jasmine Khatun fell ill and later died on Friday. On Saturday morning, several workers reportedly became sick after returning to work.
Following those incidents, factory authorities declared a holiday on Sunday.
When workers returned on Monday morning, the factory arranged a prayer session. During the gathering, prayers were recited and water was sprinkled on workers. Shortly afterward, dozens of workers again fell ill and were taken to hospital for treatment.
