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
