Publish: 16:10, 21 Jan, 2025

Expats block Panthapath road over vaccine shortage

Online Desk
Expats block Panthapath road over vaccine shortage

Around 300 expatriates, including many bound for Saudi Arabia, blocked the road in Dhaka’s Panthapath area on Tuesday after failing to receive mandatory vaccinations.

They gathered in front of Square Hospital at 10:30 am, frustrated over the unavailability of vaccines needed for travel to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Many were Umrah pilgrims.

According to police sources, the expatriates were initially directed to various hospitals for vaccination, only to find the doses unavailable.

Later, they were advised to go to Square Hospital, but upon arrival, they discovered a shortage there as well, prompting them to stage a protest.

Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Sub-Inspector Md Zubair confirmed the blockade, saying that Square Hospital can administer only 10–15 vaccines daily, far below demand.

Square Hospital Senior Vice President Dr Faisal Zaman said the hospital had run out of vaccines, with no new supply expected for 10–15 days.

The vaccines are imported by Radiant Pharma, which has indicated delays in replenishment, he added.

The protest follows a new directive from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, issued on Monday (January 20), mandating meningitis vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabian government regulations. The rule takes effect on February 10.

Airport Executive Director Kamrul Islam has notified airlines and airport authorities about the new requirement.

bd-pratidin/GR

More News
“Israel's genocide and occupation in Gaza must end immediately.”
“Israel's genocide and occupation in Gaza must end immediately.”
Dhaka's dwellers breathe "moderate" air quality today
Dhaka's dwellers breathe "moderate" air quality today
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning
July movement martyr Ridoy buried at his family graveyard
July movement martyr Ridoy buried at his family graveyard
Rain brings respite to Dhaka residents amid heatwave
Rain brings respite to Dhaka residents amid heatwave
Populous capital still empty and no traffic jam visible
Populous capital still empty and no traffic jam visible
Manikganj’s onion farmers claim losses amid low prices
Manikganj’s onion farmers claim losses amid low prices
Thousands returning to Dhaka via Sadarghat
Thousands returning to Dhaka via Sadarghat
Eid holidaymakers start returning to Dhaka via Paturia ferry ghat
Eid holidaymakers start returning to Dhaka via Paturia ferry ghat
Dhaka ranks 9th in global cities with worst air quality
Dhaka ranks 9th in global cities with worst air quality
Dhaka weather to stay consistent until noon
Dhaka weather to stay consistent until noon
Dhaka's air 'unhealthy' today
Dhaka's air 'unhealthy' today
Latest News
249 killed in 11 days of Eid road accidents across Bangladesh: RSF
249 killed in 11 days of Eid road accidents across Bangladesh: RSF
1 second ago | National
The Attraction and Potential Hazards of AI Lovers
The Attraction and Potential Hazards of AI Lovers
39 minutes ago | Lifestyle
Consensus Commission aims for national reform agreement by mid-July
Consensus Commission aims for national reform agreement by mid-July
53 minutes ago | National
Bangladesh strongly condemns attacks on Gaza, calls for ceasing military operations
Bangladesh strongly condemns attacks on Gaza, calls for ceasing military operations
57 minutes ago | National
Exports witness 11.44% growth in March
Exports witness 11.44% growth in March
1 hour ago | Business
Trump says he’s not backing down on tariffs
Trump says he’s not backing down on tariffs
1 hour ago | International
Policeman dispersed protesters without charging baton to get President’s medal
Policeman dispersed protesters without charging baton to get President’s medal
1 hour ago | National
Babar Ali conquers Annapurna-1 as first Bangladeshi
Babar Ali conquers Annapurna-1 as first Bangladeshi
1 hour ago | National
King Charles III shrugs off health scare to begin Italy visit
King Charles III shrugs off health scare to begin Italy visit
1 hour ago | International
Bandarban Court sends ARSA chief Ataullah to jail after bail rejection
Bandarban Court sends ARSA chief Ataullah to jail after bail rejection
1 hour ago | National
China vows 'stable' relations with S. Korea after Yoon impeachment
China vows 'stable' relations with S. Korea after Yoon impeachment
1 hour ago | International
Nasir impresses with the ball on competitive comeback after ICC ban
Nasir impresses with the ball on competitive comeback after ICC ban
2 hours ago | Sports
Israel seizes 50% of Gaza by destroying land to extend buffer zone
Israel seizes 50% of Gaza by destroying land to extend buffer zone
2 hours ago | International
Painful memories travel with  Unai Emery as he returns to PSG
Painful memories travel with Unai Emery as he returns to PSG
2 hours ago | Sports
Ringleader among 9 TTP militants killed in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan operation
Ringleader among 9 TTP militants killed in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan operation
2 hours ago | International
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
3 hours ago | Business
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
3 hours ago | Business
Israel ‘deliberately targeting’ journalists in Gaza
Israel ‘deliberately targeting’ journalists in Gaza
3 hours ago | International
Do you really have to soak chia seeds?
Do you really have to soak chia seeds?
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
Trading opens with gains at Dhaka, Chattogram stock exchanges
Trading opens with gains at Dhaka, Chattogram stock exchanges
4 hours ago | Business
10 healthy drinks to start your day
10 healthy drinks to start your day
4 hours ago | Lifestyle
Govt working to further reduce internet prices: Ahmad Taiyeb
Govt working to further reduce internet prices: Ahmad Taiyeb
4 hours ago | Tech
10 Britons accused of war crimes while fighting for Israel
10 Britons accused of war crimes while fighting for Israel
4 hours ago | International
Harvard study reveals 17 risk factors for brain diseases
Harvard study reveals 17 risk factors for brain diseases
4 hours ago | Lifestyle
Vessel carrying 12,700 MT rice arrives at Ctg port from Vietnam
Vessel carrying 12,700 MT rice arrives at Ctg port from Vietnam
5 hours ago | Business
Mild heat wave sweeps over nine districts: Met office
Mild heat wave sweeps over nine districts: Met office
5 hours ago | National
Protect your hair this summer from beach water
Protect your hair this summer from beach water
5 hours ago | Lifestyle
Ex-MP Afzal on 7-day remand in Shamim killing case
Ex-MP Afzal on 7-day remand in Shamim killing case
5 hours ago | National
Bangladesh erupts in protests against Israeli massacre in Gaza
Bangladesh erupts in protests against Israeli massacre in Gaza
5 hours ago | National
Stocks plunge as markets anticipate rapid US rate cuts
Stocks plunge as markets anticipate rapid US rate cuts
5 hours ago | Business
Most Read
Gaza genocide: 'No Work, No School' campaign to be observed on Monday
Gaza genocide: 'No Work, No School' campaign to be observed on Monday
22 hours ago | National
Sarjis Alam calls for nationwide protests in solidarity with Gaza on Monday
Sarjis Alam calls for nationwide protests in solidarity with Gaza on Monday
23 hours ago | National
Uncertainty surrounds around 800 million in Bangladeshi shipments
Uncertainty surrounds around 800 million in Bangladeshi shipments
7 hours ago | Special
Starlink gets BIDA approval to launch operations in Bangladesh
Starlink gets BIDA approval to launch operations in Bangladesh
23 hours ago | National
61 pro-Awami League lawyers ordered to be sent to jail
61 pro-Awami League lawyers ordered to be sent to jail
23 hours ago | National
Bangladesh Hockey team finalizes squad for AHF Cup
Bangladesh Hockey team finalizes squad for AHF Cup
9 hours ago | Sports
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
3 hours ago | Business
Fingerprint not working
Fingerprint not working
6 hours ago | Special
‘Swadhinata Concert’ with leading musicians in four cities on Friday
‘Swadhinata Concert’ with leading musicians in four cities on Friday
9 hours ago | Entertainment
Dollars costlier despite ample reserves
Dollars costlier despite ample reserves
7 hours ago | Special
Bangladesh opens 4-day summit to boost direct foreign investment
Bangladesh opens 4-day summit to boost direct foreign investment
6 hours ago | Business
10 healthy drinks to start your day
10 healthy drinks to start your day
4 hours ago | Lifestyle
Bangladesh erupts in protests against Israeli massacre in Gaza
Bangladesh erupts in protests against Israeli massacre in Gaza
5 hours ago | National
UK Labour MPs denied entry to Israel during West Bank visit
UK Labour MPs denied entry to Israel during West Bank visit
21 hours ago | International
Vessel carrying 12,700 MT rice arrives at Ctg port from Vietnam
Vessel carrying 12,700 MT rice arrives at Ctg port from Vietnam
4 hours ago | Business
Dhaka's dwellers breathe "moderate" air quality today
Dhaka's dwellers breathe "moderate" air quality today
7 hours ago | City
Mild heat wave sweeps over nine districts: Met office
Mild heat wave sweeps over nine districts: Met office
5 hours ago | National
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
3 hours ago | Business
Protect your hair this summer from beach water
Protect your hair this summer from beach water
5 hours ago | Lifestyle
German delegation in city; sees economic potential
German delegation in city; sees economic potential
22 hours ago | Business
Trump's Tariffs: Two Letters to be sent to the US in 48 hrs
Trump's Tariffs: Two Letters to be sent to the US in 48 hrs
21 hours ago | National
Trading opens with gains at Dhaka, Chattogram stock exchanges
Trading opens with gains at Dhaka, Chattogram stock exchanges
4 hours ago | Business
July uprising creates atmosphere for free assembly
July uprising creates atmosphere for free assembly
10 hours ago | National
Harvard study reveals 17 risk factors for brain diseases
Harvard study reveals 17 risk factors for brain diseases
4 hours ago | Lifestyle
World Health Day today
World Health Day today
7 hours ago | Lifestyle
Bombs planted to target investigators in enforced disappearance cases: Chief Prosecutor
Bombs planted to target investigators in enforced disappearance cases: Chief Prosecutor
20 hours ago | National
Record $3.29bn remittance inflow in March
Record $3.29bn remittance inflow in March
23 hours ago | Business
Chatradal to stand with black cloths tied to faces in protest against Israeli genocide
Chatradal to stand with black cloths tied to faces in protest against Israeli genocide
20 hours ago | National
‘A Minecraft Movie’ gives Hollywood major box office boost
‘A Minecraft Movie’ gives Hollywood major box office boost
7 hours ago | Entertainment
“Israel's genocide and occupation in Gaza must end immediately.”
“Israel's genocide and occupation in Gaza must end immediately.”
5 hours ago | City