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Some 41 students of Kazirhat High School in Aminpur of Bera upazila in Pabna district have reportedly fallen unconscious over the past two days, creating panic among students and local people.
According to school authorities, 35 students from Class 6 and 7 suddenly fell unconscious around 10:00 am on Monday while attending class on the second floor of the school building.
A similar incident occurred on Sunday when six students lost consciousness during school hours.
The affected students include Maimuna Khatun, Sumi, Sumaiya, Zerin Islam, Jannatul, Jakia Akter, Moriyam Khatun, Lima Akter, Saddam Hossain, Asif, Fatema Khatun, Dula Akter, Maria, Asif Mahmud, Jesmin, Muhammad Ali, Rifat Hossain, Shakila, Sanjida, and Afsana Khatun.
Sources said around 3 pm on Sunday, six students from Class 7 suddenly fell unconscious.
They were given first aid at a local hospital and later sent to their respective homes.
The following day, 35 more students from Classes 6 and 7 fell unconscious in the same way.
They were also given preliminary treatment and handed over to their families.
A suspicious odour has reportedly been detected in both classrooms where the incidents took place, fuelling suspicions that a chemical substance may have been used.
As soon as the news spread, panic gripped the parents and local people.
Some parents criticised the school authorities for not taking immediate action after Sunday’s incident.
They further alleged that the school environment is unhygienic and lacks security.
“It’s possible that miscreants entered the classrooms and used some kind of sedative spray,” a guardian said.
Acting Headmaster Md Farhad Hossain said, “We suspect someone may have sprayed an intoxicating substance. We are investigating and taking necessary steps. If anyone is found responsible, legal action will be taken in this regard.”
Bera Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tahmina Sultana Nila said, “The incidents may have been caused by extreme heat or food poisoning, but nothing can be confirmed without proper testing. Our medical team is on the ground and further health assessments will reveal the actual cause.”
Bera Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Morshedul Islam said, “We have been informed about the situation and directed the school authorities to take immediate steps.”