Around 60 female resident students of Dhaka University’s Kuwait Maitree Hall have fallen ill in a suspected waterborne illness, with several requiring medical treatment.

Students reportedly suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea and other related symptoms. Of them, six to seven became seriously ill and were administered saline, according to leaders of the hall union.

The illness began on the night of May 5.

“The illness started a few weeks after the hall’s water tanks were cleaned. We suspect that residue from chemicals used during the cleaning process may have contaminated the water and caused the illness,” said Rafia Rehnuma Hridy, vice-president of the hall union.

She said doctors who treated the students did not identify the illness as cholera.

According to her, the spread was highest on May 6, and six to seven students had to be admitted to Shahid Mortuza Medical Centre for treatment.

“At present, the rate of infection is declining, and the situation is nearly under control,” she added.

Rafia said water samples from the hall, along with food samples from the dining hall, have been sent to a laboratory through the hall administration for testing.

The hall’s Provost, Mahbuba Sultana, said authorities had taken necessary measures to contain the situation.

“We have taken all necessary steps. The water reservoir has already been professionally cleaned, and the number of sick students is declining. The situation is now under control,” she said.

However, Rafia criticised the hall administration for negligence in maintaining basic hygiene standards.

“We repeatedly have to push the hall authorities to carry out routine maintenance -- from cleaning water filters to ensuring basic hygiene -- but they have consistently shown reluctance,” she said.

She added that a medical camp was set up at the hall today for affected students.