Take both shots of Covid-19 vaccine by May: religious affairs ministry tells hajj aspirants
Religious affairs ministry today requested 60,706 hajj aspirants to take Covid-19 vaccine as part of preparation in advance.
In a press release, the ministry said 4,833 hajj aspirants -- aged between 18 and 40 -- and 55,873 -- aged over 40 -- will have to take the first shot of Covid-19 vaccine within March and second shot by May.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Sources at the religious affairs ministry said around 63,000 people had completed registration to perform hajj in 2020. Of the total, around 3,000 cancelled their registration.
If Saudi Arabia allows foreigners to perform hajj this year, Bangladeshis who have already registered will be eligible, an official of the religious affairs ministry told The Daily Star.
Wishing anonymity, the official also said Saudi Arabia may allow a very limited number of people from other countries to perform hajj this year.
The Saudi government in 2020 decided not to allow anyone from abroad to perform hajj amid fears over coronavirus pandemic.
Only 1,000 pilgrims residing in the Kingdom were allowed to perform hajj in 2020.
Around 1,37,198 Bangladeshis were scheduled to perform hajj in 2020.
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