In a mysterious mass fainting incident during a ‘Teacher, Guardian, and Citizens’ Assembly’ at Jorkhali High School in Tomaraddi Union under Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali, 10 more students fell ill in a third occurrence.
Severe panic spread across the entire school premises on Wednesday (16 September) afternoon as students began falling ill and losing consciousness one after another during the assembly organized by the school authorities. This marks the third consecutive incident of such mysterious illness at the same school within a span of 10 days.
Among the 10 affected students, six were immediately admitted to the Hatiya Upazila Health Complex. The physical condition of three remaining students was critical, leading to their transfer to the 250-Bed Noakhali General Hospital for advanced treatment.
According to school and local sources, as several students suddenly felt dizzy and fell ill during the assembly, fear and panic gripped the general student body. Upon receiving the news, Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Russel Iqbal quickly arrived at the scene, spoke with teachers, students, and parents, and inquired about their medical care. Earlier on 7 September, 18 students fell ill at the same school due to a pungent odor, and on 14 September, another 21 students mysteriously took ill inside the classrooms.
To investigate the cause of these recurring incidents, the upazila administration has already formed a three-member investigation committee, whose probe is currently ongoing. Expressing distress over these repeated mysterious occurrences, Jasimuddin, Headmaster of Jorkhali High School, said, “Today as well, 8 to 10 students fell ill. Why this keeps happening is beyond comprehension. Administration officials are on site and looking into the matter.”
Regarding the overall situation and administrative measures, Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Russel Iqbal stated, “10 students have fallen ill. Among them, three have been sent to the district town for better treatment. It is still not possible to say with certainty why the students are falling ill or fainting. The administration is working to determine the cause.”
