Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holiest city of Makkah, will be in full form this year. Muslims around the world, including Bangladesh, will take this divine journey as part of their religious duty.

Hajj is one of the main rituals of Islam, and it takes tremendous physical and mental effort, as well as spiritual dedication. Because of the nature of it, like all types of pilgrimage, it can be quite challenging and requires certain preparations too. It's not a matter that can be taken lightly or suddenly decided upon. Hajj demands thorough and meticulous preparation that takes time.

During Ramadan, adult Muslims are obligated to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset, up to 19 hours each day, depending on location. However, there are exemptions for travellers, menstruating women, and those with specific disorders or disabilities.

Despite knowing how important it is, people tend to put off getting vaccinated.

About 11,956 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Bangladesh every year and over 6,582 die of the disease, experts say, adding that no woman should die of cervical cancer as it can be treated and cured if it is diagnosed early.

There has been no reported diphtheria case in Bangladesh for the last 35 years. But the highly contagious disease, long forgotten in most part of the world due to increased vaccination, has made a sudden comeback.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announces his nation will adopt a "no jab, no pay" policy to block parents who refuse to vaccinate their children from accessing some government benefits.