11 students from the same school in Thakurgaon suddenly fall ill, hospitalized.

Daily Bijoy News, Thakurgaon Correspondent:

Suddenly, 11 female students fell ill at the same time at Bhulli Kumarpur High School in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila. These students, suffering from symptoms of breathlessness and dizziness, were admitted to the Thakurgaon 250-bed General Hospital on Thursday (November 6) at noon. After the incident, extreme panic spread throughout the school. Classes were suspended immediately, and other students were sent home.

According to school sources, around 10 AM, shortly after returning to class following the assembly, one student felt difficulty breathing. Later, several other students from the same class fell ill with similar symptoms. With the help of teachers, they were quickly sent to the hospital.The ill students are—Mim (11), Lamia (12), Muskan (12, Dristi (11), Sumaiya (13), Puja Rani, and a total of 11 students. They are all students of the sixth grade. Among them, four returned home after receiving primary treatment, but seven were admitted to the hospital.

The ill students reported that after eating, they drank water from the school's tube-well. Soon after, symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, and stomach pain appeared. They claimed the number of affected students is higher, but many left for home without seeking treatment. Assistant teacher Jaynal Abedin of the school said, "At first, we thought one student was suffering from an allergy. But when 11 students one after another showed the same symptoms, they were quickly sent to the hospital." A parent, Suman Islam, said, "In the morning, my daughter was happy and cheerful. After a while, I heard she was admitted to the hospital. I came and found her on oxygen. Now I am worried about whether children are safe at school."

Another parent, Anwar Hossain, said, "So many students falling ill together like this is very concerning. The administration should investigate the matter properly." Dr. Zakia Akhtar, a physician at the emergency department of Thakurgaon 250-bed General Hospital, said, "Several students were admitted with breathing problems. Upon inquiry, we learned they had eaten the same type of biscuit after the assembly. They fell ill right after. None had fever, cold, or cough. To find out the sudden cause of breathlessness, the food needs to be tested." She further said, "No signs of lung infection were found. Tests will confirm whether the biscuits or food contained expired ingredients or chemical mixtures." Meanwhile, extreme panic prevails among students, teachers, and parents after the incident. It is known that the administration and health department are preparing to investigate the matter.

Daily Bijoy News / Md. Nazmul Islam