Seventeen students of Asta Mahamaya Pathshala High School in Faridganj upazila of Chandpur were reportedly affected by mass hysteria on Thursday morning.
Of the affected students, seven received treatment locally, while eight were given primary care at Faridganj Upazila Health Complex and later sent home. Two students remain hospitalised for further treatment.
The students undergoing treatment include sixth-grade students Umme Arabi Tabassum, Chandni Akter, and Ruponti Sarker; seventh-grade student Farzana Akter; and eighth-grade students Ruma Akter, Shamia Akter, and Morium Akter, among others.
Parents of the affected students said they rushed to the school after receiving calls from the authorities. Upon arrival, they found several children crying and some even unconscious, prompting immediate medical attention.
Principal Lokman Hossain said, “A few students suddenly fell ill just after classes began. We immediately informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the Civil Surgeon and health officials. They came to the school to examine and treat the students.”
Faridganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Asaduzzaman Jewel said, “Preliminary assessments indicate that the students were affected by mass hysteria. However, we are continuing to investigate the matter.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Setu Kumar Barua added, “Upon receiving the news, we visited the school along with the district civil surgeon. Some students were treated on-site, while others were taken to the health complex, including two who remain admitted.”
IH/NSA
