Over 100 workers suddenly fall Ill at two Tongi factories

Over a hundred workers at two garment factories in Tongi, Gazipur, suddenly fell ill on Wednesday morning (14 January). They were admitted to Tongi Shaheed Ahsanullah Master General Hospital and several local clinics.

The incident occurred at two factories of Expert Village Limited. Panic spread among the workers as many fell sick. Workers at factories located in Ma Tower and Alam Tower were reportedly the most affected. They were quickly taken to Tongi government hospital and other nearby medical facilities.

Hospital sources said most of the affected workers experienced vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and general discomfort. The sudden influx of patients temporarily strained the hospital’s emergency department.

Local and factory sources said the workers had staged a day-long strike on Sunday demanding their overdue November salaries. They returned to work on Monday morning but resumed their protest shortly after. During this ongoing agitation, workers began falling ill on Wednesday morning. The exact cause of the illnesses, however, has not been confirmed.

Dr Nahid Sultana, Medical Officer at Tongi Government Hospital’s emergency department, said the affected workers showed symptoms of panic attacks, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. Most of them are currently out of danger.

Tongi East Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Mehedi Hasan, said the police are investigating the matter to determine the cause, and appropriate legal action will follow the investigation.

From the factory side, Administrative Officer Md Sujon said the investigation is ongoing, and no definitive statement can be made until it is completed. Further details will be provided later.

Following the incident, additional police have been deployed in the factory area, and workers remain in a state of panic.