Four factory workers fall ill after lunch in Ishwardi EPZ, one worker dead

Over four hundred workers simultaneously fell ill after eating lunch at four garment factories in Ishwardi EPZ. Hospital authorities confirmed that one worker died while undergoing treatment on Friday afternoon (May 30). The illness began on Thursday afternoon (May 29). The sick workers were initially admitted to Ishwardi EPZ's own hospital and the Upazila Health Complex. Later, many of them were sent to various hospitals in Pabna and Rajshahi in critical condition.

Illness was observed among workers of four institutions namely Nakano International Company, IMBD Company, Vintage Denim Studio Limited, and Renaissance Barind Limited. Representatives of the institutions stated that regular food was supplied to the workers on Thursday. But immediately after eating lunch, many workers were affected by symptoms of stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sick worker Monowara Khatun said, “We started work after eating the food.

After a while, severe pain started in the stomach, followed by repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Everyone fell ill one by one.” Acknowledging the truth of the incident, Nakano International's HR Manager Mehedi Hasan said, “We have already formed an investigation committee. The real cause will be known only after the investigation.” Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer Rokibul Hasan stated, “As of Friday afternoon, 45 workers were admitted to the hospital.

The rest were sent to Pabna and Rajshahi as their condition was critical. One of them has died.” Ishwardi Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Ali Ehsan stated, “It is initially suspected that water was contaminated due to leakage in the supply line. As a result, food poisoning may have occurred. The affected people were mainly suffering from diarrhea.” Ishwardi Acting UNO Shahadat Hossain Khan and Police Station OC ASM Abdun Noor visited the spot and inquired about the workers.

UNO Shahadat Hossain stated, “The matter has been ordered to be investigated with importance. The administration is monitoring the situation.” Source: Samakal