A sudden illness among garment workers at Pan Asia Clothing Limited in the Bhogra Chowdhury Bari area of Gazipur Metropolitan has prompted the declaration of a one-day general holiday at the factory.
According to the Industrial Police, workers at the ready-made garment factory, located in the Bhogra Bypass area of Gazipur, reported for duty on Monday morning when several of them began feeling unwell shortly after starting work. Following the initial cases, more workers developed similar symptoms, including dizziness and general discomfort.
At least 50 workers were subsequently sent to two nearby medical facilities—Tairunnessa Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital—for treatment. Factory sources indicated that around 2,200 workers are employed at the establishment. It was reported that at least 40 of the affected workers were admitted to Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College and Hospital, where treatment is ongoing.
Most of those who received primary treatment were later discharged and returned home. However, several workers remain under medical observation. Doctors have confirmed that all admitted patients are currently out of danger.
Hospital admission summary
| Facility | Number of workers admitted | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College Hospital | Around 40 | Under treatment; condition stable |
| Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital | Included within total 55 reported admissions | Stable and out of danger |
Pan Asia Clothing Limited’s senior executive, Harun or Rashid, stated that he was present at the factory when the incident occurred. He reported that approximately half a hundred workers suddenly collapsed or experienced dizziness during working hours. He further confirmed that around 40 of the affected workers were taken to hospital for admission. He added that the exact cause of the illness would be clarified following medical examination and testing.
Gazipur Civil Surgeon Dr Mamunur Rashid stated that the workers were admitted with what is believed to be a case of mass psychogenic illness. He noted that many of the patients experienced symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting.
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Amzad Hossain confirmed that he visited the hospitals and checked on the condition of the workers. He stated that medical authorities have also identified the condition as mass psychogenic illness. He further confirmed that a total of 55 workers had been admitted across the two hospitals, and that all patients were currently stable and out of danger.
The factory management has declared a one-day general holiday following the incident. Medical observation and coordination with relevant authorities are ongoing to monitor the condition of the affected workers.