Over 100 RMG workers fall ill after 'drinking water' at Gazipur factory

More than 100 ready-made garment (RMG) workers fell ill after reportedly drinking water at a factory in Gazipur today (1 June).

Following the incident, the factory authorities declared a general holiday for the day.

"The incident occurred at Reaz Export Apparels Ltd in the city's Signboard area," Superintendent of Police (SP) of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, AKM Johirul Islam, told The Business Standard.

"The sick workers were rushed to a nearby private hospital, where some received primary treatment and were discharged, while others were admitted for further care," the SP added.

Ali Mohammad Rashed, officer-in-charge of Gachha Police Station, said, "Consuming water in the factory caused their stomach issues."

Meanwhile, Ferdous Chowdhury, an administrative officer at the factory, told TBS, "The workers said they got sick after drinking the water, but we maintain hygiene protocols strictly in the factory.

"Doctors said it was a waterborne disease, and most of the affected workers are recovering."

Over 200 workers fall ill after drinking water at Gazipur garment factory

According to workers, they started work as usual in the morning, but around 11am, several workers began experiencing illness after drinking water from the factory. The number of affected workers quickly grew to over 100.