TDS Desk:

Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, on Tuesday said expatriates travelling to Saudi Arabia on work visas do not need to take the meningitis vaccine, which is mandatory for those going there on Umrah or visit visas.

Only those travelling for Umrah or on a visit visa must take the vaccine at least 10 days before their journey.

On Tuesday morning, approximately 300 Saudi-bound passengers began a road blockade in front of Square Hospital in Panthapath, Dhaka.

Saudi-bound passengers staged protests over not receiving the meningitis vaccine.

Later, around 12:30pm, they gathered in front of Probashi Kallyan Bhaban.

Among the protesters were individuals travelling to Saudi Arabia for work as well as pilgrims planning to perform Umrah.

According to police, most of the protesters were expatriates, alongside some Umrah pilgrims.

These travellers were scheduled to receive vaccines at various hospitals in Dhaka for travel to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

However, they were informed at these hospitals that vaccines were available only at Square Hospital in Panthapath.

Upon arriving there, they discovered a shortage of vaccines, leading to their frustration and subsequent protest.

In response to the situation, the Dhaka airport director issued a statement to the media, saying: “It is important to note that, as per the guidelines, this vaccine is only required for those travelling for Umrah or on visit visas to Saudi Arabia. It does not apply to work visa holders.”

He further said: “Our esteemed remittance earners travelling to Saudi Arabia on work visas are not required to take this vaccine.”