Live Correspondent: Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam today said the students aged above 12 must get at least the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, otherwise they would not be allowed to attend schools and colleges.

“The Education Ministry has already given instruction that none can come to schools without getting vaccinated. The issue was discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting on January 3 and it was confirmed today,” he said while briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the virtual cabinet meeting from her official residence Ganabhaban, while her cabinet colleagues and others concerned were present at Bangladesh Secretariat.

Answering to a question, the cabinet secretary said the students aged above 12 will have to receive at least one jab of the Covid-19 inoculation to attend schools and colleges.

Anwarul Islam said the participation in social, political and religious programmes will have to be limited and wearing masks and maintaining other health protocols are mandatory there. If the Covid-19 situation deteriorates further, the public transports will have to carry 50 percent passengers of their capacities, he said.

Moreover, the Cabinet cancelled a previous decision taken in the 1980s to procure two container ships from Pakistan for Bangladesh Shipping Corporation.

Dhaka, 06 January (campuslive24.com)//AZ