School Scare Over 50 students fall sick

More than 50 students of Muladuli High School in Ishwardi, Pabna, fell ill during class on Wednesday afternoon after reportedly being exposed to a suspected toxic chemical odour.

The students suffered breathing difficulties, vomiting, dizziness and convulsions before being taken to hospitals for treatment.

School authorities said the exact cause of the incident could not be confirmed immediately. However, a bottle of pesticide, reportedly used to kill ants and rats, was recovered from a classroom, raising suspicion that exposure to the chemical may have caused the illness.

Senior Assistant Teacher Sultan Mahmud said a few students initially became sick and fainted. Soon afterward, students from different classes also began showing symptoms, including shortness of breath, vomiting and seizures.

“Eventually, around 50 to 60 students fell ill,” he said.

Following the incident, the school authorities informed guardians, Ishwardi police, the upazila administration and other relevant departments. Fire Service and Civil Defence members rushed to the school and rescued the affected students. They were taken to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, while some guardians admitted their children to other hospitals.

Pabna-4 lawmaker Professor Abu Taleb Mondal and Ishwardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Mohammad Shoaib visited the school after the incident.

Dr Kaveri, resident medical officer of Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, said around 60 students received treatment for suspected poisoning. She said some students may also have fallen ill due to panic and fear after the incident.

“All of them are now out of danger. Many have already returned home after receiving treatment,” she said.

Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asadur Rahman said police are investigating the incident.
“Some students fainted, while others suffered breathing difficulties. Necessary legal action will be taken after the investigation,” he said.