Saudi-bound travellers on Tuesday staged a protest at Panthapath, Dhaka, due to a shortage of the meningitis vaccine, which is now mandatory for those travelling on Umrah or visit visas.
According to directives from the Saudi government, the vaccine is required for all travellers before entering the country.
Nearly 300 expatriates, including workers and Umrah pilgrims, blocked the road in front of Square Hospital at Panthapath at around 10:30am, demanding the vaccine. By 12:30pm, the protesters moved to Probashi Kallyan Bhaban, continuing their demonstration.
The protesters were told by various hospitals that the vaccine was available at Square Hospital. However, when they arrived there, they found that the hospital had no stock of the vaccine.
This led to frustration among the travellers, many of whom had been waiting since early morning.
Police from the Tejgaon Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrived at the scene to control the situation and disperse the crowd.
The majority of the protesters were expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, with some also travelling for Umrah. These travellers had been scheduled to get their vaccine at several hospitals in the capital but were turned away due to shortages.
Dr Faisal Zaman, senior vice president of Square Hospital, said their hospital has no meningitis vaccines available at the moment.
"What we had until yesterday has been given out," he said. "Radiant Pharma, the supplier, has informed us that it will take at least 10-15 days to receive a new shipment. We were not prepared for this sudden demand after the Saudi government's decision."
Previously, the hospital only needed to administer five to six doses per day, but the new regulations have led to a rush of thousands of travellers seeking the vaccine. Hospitals have even started directing patients to Square Hospital, worsening the situation.
Faisal said they cannot resolve the issue alone. "We have asked Radiant Pharma repeatedly to expedite the delivery, but they are unable to do so. We request the government to step in and address the issue."
An official from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) clarified that Hajj travellers can receive the vaccine at government hospitals, but no official directive has been received for Umrah travellers yet.
On Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh announced that the meningitis vaccine would be mandatory for all Umrah and Hajj travellers, effective from February 10.
According to these new guidelines, travellers must take the vaccine 10 days before their trip and present a certificate at the airport. However, CAAB said workers travelling for employment do not need the vaccine, as it applies only to those on Umrah or visit visas.