Over 50 workers fall ill at Gazipur garment factory; operations suspended for the day
The workers complained of dizziness, severe stomach pain, and nausea while on duty. Seven were referred to other hospitals for advanced treatment, while the cause of the illness remains unknown.
More than 50 workers at a garment factory in Gazipur's Sreepur upazila suddenly fell ill while on duty today (7 July), prompting the factory authorities to suspend operations and declare a general holiday for the rest of the day.
The incident occurred at Color & Co Ltd in the Tepirbari area at around 10am.
Sreepur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shahinur Alam confirmed the incident to The Business Standard, saying police were dispatched to the factory immediately after receiving the information.
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"Initially, a few workers fell ill, and later several others developed similar symptoms one after another. To ensure the safety of workers and maintain order, the factory authorities declared a holiday for the day. The situation is now under control," he said.
According to workers and police sources, employees were carrying out their regular duties when several workers in the sewing section on the fifth floor suddenly complained of dizziness, severe stomach pain, nausea, and physical weakness. Within a short time, workers in other sections began experiencing similar symptoms, triggering panic across the factory.
The affected workers were taken to Al Hera Hospital at Mawna Chourasta and several nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.
Hospital emergency department sources said 30 workers were discharged after receiving primary treatment, while seven in critical condition were referred to other hospitals for advanced care. The remaining workers are still undergoing treatment.
The exact cause of the sudden illness could not be immediately determined. As of filing this report, neither the factory management nor the hospital authorities had issued an official statement.
The incident has also renewed concerns among workers over safety conditions at the factory.
Workers said that on 24 June, a female worker, Liza Akter, 36, died while working the night shift at the same factory. The following day, workers staged demonstrations and blocked a road in protest.
With another major incident occurring within weeks, many workers say they are increasingly concerned about workplace safety.
