Over a Hundred Workers at Risk to Health in Tongi Garment Factory

In a troubling repeat incident, more than a hundred workers at Export Village Limited, a prominent garment factory located in the industrial hub of Tongi, Gazipur, fell ill on Wednesday morning while at work. Workers reportedly began experiencing vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headaches shortly after starting their shifts. Emergency services quickly transported the affected employees to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital and other nearby medical facilities for urgent care.

According to police and worker sources, labourers reported to work at 8:00 am, following the standard schedule. Within a short period, multiple employees became unwell simultaneously, prompting panic inside the factory. Factory operations were temporarily halted as staff tried to manage the situation and ensure everyone’s safety.

Hospital authorities confirmed that both men and women were among those affected. The most commonly reported symptoms included vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, and general discomfort.

This is not the first instance of mass illness at the factory in recent days. On Monday, 10 January, at least 20 workers were admitted to hospital after similar symptoms. That incident coincided with a workers’ protest inside the factory demanding payment of one month’s overdue wages, which had disrupted routine operations.

Speaking on the matter, Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan of Tongi East Police Station said, “It is not yet clear why the workers suddenly fell ill. The matter is under investigation. We have deployed additional police personnel at the factory and are ensuring that affected workers receive immediate medical attention.”

Workers have voiced concerns that inadequate ventilation systems within the factory may be contributing to these health issues. Factory management, however, has yet to confirm the exact cause of the incident. Meanwhile, local authorities and health officials are conducting a thorough review of the factory’s health and safety arrangements to ensure proper care and monitoring of affected employees.

The situation has understandably caused unease among the workforce. Several employees expressed their desire for a safe working environment and regular health monitoring, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

Summary of Worker Illnesses at Export Village Limited

The repeated incidents have intensified calls from workers and health officials alike for improved workplace safety measures and transparent monitoring of working conditions.