Bangladesh, May 14 -- More than 50 students of Muladuli High School in Ishwardi, Pabna, fell ill during class on Wednesday afternoon after reportedly being exposed to a suspected toxic chemical odour.

The students suffered breathing difficulties, vomiting, dizziness and convulsions before being taken to hospitals for treatment.

School authorities said the exact cause of the incident could not be confirmed immediately. However, a bottle of pesticide, reportedly used to kill ants and rats, was recovered from a classroom, raising suspicion that exposure to the chemical may have caused the illness.

Senior Assistant Teacher Sultan Mahmud said a few students initially became sick and fainted. Soon afterward, students from different classes ...