Over 50 RMG workers fall sick in Gazipur

More than 50 workers of a garment factory in Gazipur reportedly fell sick after drinking water supplied by the factory in Chandra area of Kaliakair upazila on Thursday morning.

The incident took place at Dressman Limited, where workers began experiencing vomiting, stomach pain and dizziness after drinking water at the factory.

As the number of sick workers rose quickly, the factory authorities arranged medical treatment for them. The affected workers were taken to Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex and several private hospitals and clinics in the area.

Officer-in-Charge Md Shahidul Islam of Kaliakair Police Station said at least 40 to 50 workers fell sick in the incident.

“Necessary treatment has been arranged for the affected workers. However, none of them is in critical condition,” he said.

Police said the exact cause of the incident could not be known immediately.
Factory workers alleged that the illness might have been caused by contaminated drinking water. However, authorities said the matter would be confirmed after proper examination.

Factory workers Zahid, Majedul and Tonni Akter said they regularly drink water from the factory supply.
They said that, as usual, they drank water from the same source on Thursday, and shortly afterward many workers began showing unusual symptoms. More than 200 workers reportedly became dizzy and collapsed on the floor, while many vomited and some lost consciousness.

They were quickly taken to hospitals. Many were also given treatment inside the factory. Kaliakair Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sadia Tasnim Munmun said many workers were brought to the hospital in sick condition around 10:30am.

“There is not enough space in the hospital. Patients are arriving one after another. We are providing them treatment accordingly,” she said.