Workers fall ill again amid alleged 'ghost' scare at Adamjee EPZ factory, holiday declared

Female workers at Universal Menswear Limited in Adamjee EPZ in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, fell ill again this morning (23 August) amid panic over alleged sightings of a "ghost" inside the factory, prompting the authorities to declare a one-day general holiday.

Yesterday (22 August), female workers on the second and third floors of the factory's new building reportedly fell ill one after another from noon until night, which workers attributed to the alleged presence of a "ghost" inside the factory.

As the number of sick workers exceeded 50, the factory authorities announced leave before the scheduled time.

The affected workers were given primary treatment at the Bepza Medical Hospital inside the EPZ and later released.

When workers resumed work this morning (23 August), a similar incident occurred, prompting panicked workers to run around the factory.

Later, the authorities declared a one-day general holiday to bring the situation under control.

Billal Hossain, general manager of Universal Menswear Limited said, "Around 90% of the workers had reported for work today. Unfortunately, 15 to 20 workers fell ill again today, so we have declared a holiday for today," he said.

Asked about workers' claims of seeing ghosts, he said, "Many workers are saying they have seen ghosts. We cannot stop them from saying that, but how can we, as aware people, believe in ghosts?"

He added, "The workers are not falling ill in one place. It has happened in several places across the factory. We have not been able to identify the reason why they are falling ill."

Bepza Additional Executive Director Nasrin said five to seven workers fell ill again today and were treated at the hospital.

"We inspected the factory. Yesterday, we heard that workers were falling ill due to the heat, but we did not find such a situation there. The workers are talking about ghosts. Considering the situation, the factory has been kept closed today," she said.