Factory Stress Blamed for 'Ghost' Incidents at RMG Plants

Incidents of workers claiming to witness 'ghosts' or experiencing collective hysteria have been documented at multiple garment manufacturing facilities in recent months, raising concerns about workplace safety and mental health in the sector. Observers have noted that these occurrences tend to cluster during peak production seasons when workers face extended shifts, mounting pressure to meet deadlines, and high-stress environments.

Occupational health specialists point to the demanding nature of RMG factory work as a significant contributing factor. Long hours, repetitive tasks, inadequate ventilation, and insufficient break periods create conditions that can trigger psychological distress and fatigue-induced hallucinations among workers. The phenomenon is particularly pronounced in facilities with poor working conditions and limited employee welfare provisions.

Factory management and workers' rights advocates have called for improved occupational health measures, including regular mental health support, better working conditions, and compliance with international labor standards. Experts emphasize that addressing underlying workplace stress through structural reforms would be more effective than dismissing the incidents as mere superstition.

The incidents underscore ongoing concerns about worker welfare in Bangladesh's garment industry, which employs millions and generates substantial export revenue. Labor organizations have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations and investment in employee mental health services across the sector.