More than one hundred garment workers became ill on Thursday after reportedly drinking water supplied at a factory in Kaliakair Upazila of Gazipur, leading to hospital admissions and the launch of an official investigation.
The incident took place in the morning at Dressman Limited located in Chandra area. Shortly after consuming water provided at the workplace, workers began to experience a range of symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, weakness and breathing difficulties.
As the number of affected employees increased within a short period, panic spread throughout the factory premises. Many of the workers were transported to the Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex, while others were taken to nearby private hospitals and clinics for emergency treatment.
Several workers alleged that the water had an unusual smell and claimed that they felt sick soon after drinking it. Some also reported that more than 200 workers experienced dizziness, and a number of them reportedly collapsed inside the factory.
Factory management confirmed that medical assistance was provided promptly. Assistant General Manager (Administration) of Dressman Limited Atiqul Islam said arrangements were made immediately to ensure treatment for the affected workers. He suggested that the illness might have been linked to workers drinking water from a tube well potentially affected by flooding, although he added that no irregularities had been found in the factory’s water supply system so far.
Meanwhile, health officials said the local hospital had been receiving a steady flow of patients since mid-morning and was struggling to manage the sudden surge. Kaliakair Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sadia Tasnim Munmun confirmed the situation.
Police have stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the mass illness.
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