Over 50 workers fall ill at Tongi garment factory
Earlier in the morning, the death of a factory worker had already caused panic among employees
More than 50 workers at a garment factory in Gazipur's Tongi fell ill this afternoon (29 November), prompting factory authorities to declare a holiday.
The incident occurred around 3:30pm in the swing department of CCL (unit-3), a subsidiary of the Hamim Group in the Millgate area.
Factory sources said workers had returned from lunch and resumed work when many began experiencing nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fainting. They were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Paresh Kanti Das, a factory security guard, said, "After lunch, some workers suddenly fell ill and were sent to the hospital. Seeing the situation, the management declared a holiday. Earlier in the morning, the death of a factory worker had already caused panic among employees."
Earlier in the day, Lutfar Rahman, a quality inspector in the finishing department, suddenly fell ill and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died of cardiac arrest. The news of his death reportedly caused panic among other workers, contributing to the large number falling ill.
Dr Rumana Haque, from the emergency department of Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital in Tongi, said more than 50 workers sought treatment for weakness, nausea, and fainting.
Most received primary care and were discharged to return home, she added.
Mizanur Rahman, general manager of Hamim Group, confirmed the events, saying, "This morning, Lutfar Rahman suddenly fell ill and later passed away at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After news of his death spread, more than 50 workers reported feeling unwell. They are being treated at hospitals."
