15 Garment Workers Fall Ill Amid Ghost Rumors in Gazipur Factory

Staff Correspondent

At least 10-15 female workers from SP Garments and Washing Ltd. in Gazipur reportedly fell ill on Thursday morning, allegedly due to fear of ghosts. Some of the workers sustained injuries after collapsing on the floor. Factory authorities transported them to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. in Baghair Bazar (Shirirchala) area of Gazipur Sadar Upazila.

According to several affected workers, rumors of ghostly and supernatural presences had been circulating in the factory for days. The panic escalated on Thursday morning, causing workers to rush downstairs in distress. Some fell ill in the restroom, while others collapsed on the production floor.

Sources from the hospital and local area revealed that the five-story factory employs around 2,200 workers. Shortly after starting work in the morning, several female workers suddenly became unwell and sustained injuries after collapsing. Factory authorities rushed them to Holy Care Diagnostic Center in Baghair Bazar.

Dr. Shihab Ahmed Ibn Zaman, a physician at the diagnostic center, stated, “Initially, 7-8 patients arrived. Oxygen was administered to three, and one received saline. All have since recovered and returned home. However, it is unclear whether their condition was caused by fear or physical weakness due to fasting.”

Abdul Latif, an inspector with Gazipur Industrial Police, said, “Seven workers were seriously injured in the restroom due to fear of ghosts and were sent to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Holy Care authorities, however, report that 10-15 workers fell ill, with four receiving hospital treatment and others receiving outpatient care.”

Tensions rose at the factory following the incident. To manage the situation, authorities declared the factory closed for the day around 11 a.m. Journalists were not allowed inside the premises, and factory officials declined to comment on the matter.