Mass Illness of Workers at Universal Menswear Ltd., Bangladesh
On 22 August 2026, more than 100 female garment workers reportedly fell ill at Universal Menswear Ltd. in the Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. According to media reports, workers on the second and third floors of the factory's new building began becoming sick one after another shortly after noon. The exact cause of the illnesses could not be immediately determined. An official from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) indicated that the incident may initially have been linked to heat-related illness, although no definitive explanation had been confirmed. As the number of affected workers increased to more than 100 female workers, approximately 20 workers were transported to the BEPZA Medical Centre inside the export processing zone for treatment. The incident reportedly created panic among the workforce, and workers were released from the factory earlier than scheduled due to the situation. Factory management initially reported that only a small number of workers had suddenly fallen ill, while additional workers were experiencing symptoms. Representatives stated that the cause of the illnesses was unknown at the time and that affected workers were receiving medical treatment. Universal Menswear Ltd. is part of the Ananta Group. It employs approximately 4.000-5.000 workers and produces ready-made garments, including shirts, blouses and tailored trousers. According to Open Supply Hub it supplies, among others, to H&M, Primark, C&A, ASOS, Beststeller, New Look, and River Island. Furthermore Universal Menswear Ltd is GOTS-certified (GOTS-Certification Number: 14238).
Basic Information
Case ID: 2026.016
Identification Number from Open Supply Hub (OS-ID): BD2019086TN16RE
Affected Country: Bangladesh
Social Sector Risks concerned:
- Occupational Safety and Health (Conventions Nr. 155 & 183 & 184; Recommendations Nr. 164 & 192)
Supplier Details
Ananta Group
Corporate Office: Gulshan Center Point Level-13, House-(23-26) Road-90, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh.
Supplier Website: https://ananta-bd.com/
Production Site
Universal Menswear Ltd.
Plot No. :234-238,252-254, Adamjee EPZ, Siddhiroonj. Narayanqonj. - Bangladesh
Known certifications:
GOTS
Source of information about certifications:
https://global-standards.org/suppliers/certified-suppliers/details?q=Universal+Menswear&page=1>bid=SCO006549
Total number of workers/employees:
4.000-5.000
No gender specific information available.
Workers movement
No unions activ.
No information about workers commitee available.
Business Relations
Known Buyer/Brands:
- ASOS.com Limited
- Bestseller A/S
- C&A Mode GmbH & Co. KG
- H&M Hennes & Mauritz B.V. & Co. KG
- New Look Retailers
- Primark Limited
- River Island Holdings Limited
Source of information buyers:
https://opensupplyhub.org/production-locations/BD2019086TN16RE
Follow up
Known Reaction by Buyer(s):
Response from RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) Bangladesh, 2026/08/27: "The RSC received information regarding the reported mass illness incident at Universal Menswear Ltd. on 23 August 2026 and has initiated an investigation in accordance with the RSC’s established procedures. The RSC Complaints Team is currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident and the available evidence. As part of the investigation, we will assess the possible cause or contributing factors and identify any appropriate remedial or preventive measures based on the findings. We will update the RSC tripartite stakeholders once the investigation report is finalized and ready to be shared."
Sources
Name of reporting organisation: Jago News 24, Samakal (daily newspaper of Ha-Meem Group)
Source of information about the case:
Contributor: SÜDWIND
- Last updated on .