DHAKA,  – 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.

He said all concerned were asked to carry out motivational campaign so that students receive vaccines and added the vaccines are available in the rural areas as well.

Anwarul Islam said the cabinet meeting discussed how to fight Omicron, the new Covid variant, alongside the scheduled agenda.

He said the people will have to show Covid-19 vaccination certificate to eat meals in restaurants, travel in train and airplane, and visit shopping malls and international trade fair as well as other public places.

The decision would be implemented after a certain period based on getting opinion of the national technical committee, he said.

Talking about other decisions to fight Omicron, the cabinet secretary said wearing face-mask outside the houses is a must.

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.

In replying to another query, he, however, said no decision has been taken yet to impose lockdown in case of deterioration of the pandemic situation.

Besides, the Cabinet cleared the draft of Bangladesh Public-Private Partnership (Amendment) Act, 2022 for bringing a few changes to the existing law.

It also approved the draft amendment to the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion Agreement signed between Bangladesh and Qatar.

The meeting endorsed the proposal for ratification of Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the International Solar Alliance.

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