More than 100 female workers reportedly fell sick at a garment factory in Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Siddhirganj of Narayanganj on Saturday.

The exact cause of the workers falling ill could not be immediately confirmed.

The incident occurred at Universal Menswear Ltd in the afternoon, with workers on the second and third floors of a new building reportedly falling sick one after another.

As the number of affected workers increased, they were taken to the BEPZA Medical Centre at the EPZ for treatment.

The sudden situation triggered panic among workers at the factory, with many seen rushing around the premises.

A worker, wishing to remain anonymous, said as the number of affected workers increased, the factory released them around 7:30pm instead of the scheduled closing time of 9pm.

Universal Menswear Ltd General Manager Billal Hossain said seven to eight workers had suddenly fallen sick and he had learned that more workers were also feeling unwell.

“We have not yet been able to determine what is causing the illness. The affected workers are receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.

Nasrin, additional executive director of BEPZA at Adamjee EPZ, said the workers appeared to have initially suffered heatstroke.

“About 20 workers are currently receiving treatment here. They are being provided with advanced medical care. Details will be available later,” she said.

The management director of Adamjee EPZ could not be reached for comment despite repeated phone calls.