Barguna, Aug 11 (V7N) – Five female students of Class Six at Ameria Secondary School in Rupdhon Bandar, under Kakchira Union of Patharghata Upazila, Barguna, became seriously ill after allegedly consuming poisoned water mixed with an unknown substance. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM on Monday during regular class hours.
 
The affected students — Arisa, Tasmeem, Monira, Jannati, and Sabina — are currently under medical supervision at the Patharghata Upazila Health Complex. According to the school authorities, the girls began showing signs of illness shortly after drinking from water bottles that had an unusual odor.
 
Sabina, one of the students, reportedly first drank from her bottle after finishing coaching around 8:00 AM. Upon noticing a strange smell and taste, she alerted her classmates. Four other students, who also drank from their water bottles or ate food they had brought from home, became sick as well. Later, similar smells of chemicals or toxins were detected in the bags and food containers of all five students.
 
School Headmaster Golam Kabir confirmed the incident, stating, “Monira and Sabina came into the classroom and complained that there was a strong, unusual smell coming from their water and food. We immediately checked and found the odor was indeed present.” He added that the incident was immediately reported to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the local Education Officer, both of whom responded swiftly. The injured students were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
 
On-site, the emergency duty physician at the Patharghata Upazila Health Complex, Dr. Al-Amin, stated, “The five students were brought in and given gastric wash and initial treatment. They are now under observation for 24 hours. We expect them to recover soon, but if necessary, they will be referred to Barishal for advanced care.”
 
Local authorities have begun investigating the source and possible motive behind the incident. It remains unclear how the suspected substance was introduced into the students’ food and water. The school has heightened safety measures in response, while parents and residents have expressed deep concern over the safety of children in educational institutions.
 
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