More than 200 workers of a readymade garment factory in Gazipur's Kaliakair reportedly fell ill after drinking water supplied by the factory.
The affected workers were taken to the Upazila Health Complex and several nearby private hospitals for treatment.
The incident occurred around 10AM on Thursday at Dressman Garments Limited, located in the Chandra area of Kaliakair upazila, when the employees drank water.
The workers, who are receiving treatment at hospitals, said that they had entered the factory in the morning and begun their duties as usual. Shortly after starting work, they drank water from the factory. A short time later, several workers on the fourth floor began experiencing health problems like-- dizziness, vomiting, fainting and other unusual physical reactions.
The illness gradually spread to workers on other floors of the factory, prompting emergency efforts to transport them to medical facilities.
Most of the affected workers were women.
Zahid, Majedul and Tonni Akter, workers of the factory, informed that they regularly drink water from the factory's supply system. They stated that shortly after consuming the water on Thursday, many workers began showing similar symptoms.
Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex physician Dr Sadia Tasnim Munmun said, ''Several worker were brought to the hospital in sick condition. There are not sufficient rooms. We are trying to give our best to them.''
Atiqul Islam, AGM (Administration) of the factory, said, "So far, 40-50 workers have fallen ill. Arrangements have been made for their treatment as soon as the news was received. It is believed that the surrounding area was waterlogged after continuous rains on last Monday. The workers drank water from a submerged tap and fell ill this morning after coming to work."
