34 students hospitalised after consuming 'mid-day' meal

At least 34 students of three government primary schools in Baliadangi upazila of Thakurgaon were hospitalised after consuming milk and bread served under the mid-day meal programme on Monday (September 21).

The incident occurred at Madhupur-1, Tulsipara and Madhya Goal Kari government primary schools in Charol Union around noon, according to Upazila Primary Education Officer Atul Chandra Roy.

Of the affected students, 30 are from Madhupur-1 Government Primary School, one from Tulsipara Government Primary School and three from Madhya Goal Kari Government Primary School.

The students were admitted to Baliadangi Upazila Health Complex, said medical officer Tushar Chandra Singh.

Students and their guardians said several children began experiencing stomach pain and other physical problems shortly after consuming the milk and bread.

Sumi, a Class V student of Madhupur-1 Government Primary School, said she fell ill soon after eating the food.

Manik Debnath, father of Madhya Goal Kari student Monika Debnath, said his daughter developed stomach pain after consuming the food and was subsequently taken to the hospital.

Atul Chandra Roy said the mid-day meal programme is currently running in 138 government primary schools across Baliadangi. Milk and bread were served to students on Monday.

“Why the students fell ill will be investigated,” he said.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Anjan Kumar Das said he visited the hospital after learning about the incident and checked on the students.