65 RMG workers become ill after drinking water

At least 65 workers of a ready-made garment factory in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur fell ill after drinking water yesterday morning and were admitted to the Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex.

The incident took place at Dressmen Garments Ltd in the Chandra area.

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The workers said they drank water shortly after starting work. Soon afterwards, several workers began experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and weakness. Gradually, workers on other floors developed similar symptoms.

Some workers, requesting anonymity, said they noticed an unusual taste and smell in the water. Although they tried to alert the authorities, the situation deteriorated rapidly before any action could be taken.

Kaliakair Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sadiya Tasnim Munmun told The Daily Star that workers started arriving at the hospital around 10:30am, creating pressure on its services. “We are providing them with the necessary treatment.”

Civil Surgeon Dr M Mamunur Rahman said 60 to 65 workers had so far been admitted to the health complex.

Industrial Police Superintendent Md Amzad Hossain said additional police personnel were being deployed to the factory to prevent any potential unrest.

Dressmen Garments AGM (Administration) Atiqul Islam claimed, “Around 50 workers had fallen ill. Treatment arrangements were made immediately.”

He added that the workers might have consumed water from a tap submerged by Monday’s rain. “We did not find any problem with the factory water.”

Kaliakair Police Station OC Shahidul Islam said the workers had consumed water supplied from their own water pump. “The water samples have been sent to a laboratory in Dhaka for testing.”