The COVID-19 pandemic began as a health crisis but has in time-triggered a grave and unfolding economic crisis with particular concerns for the poor and vulnerable. For effective policy response to the poverty consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, the importance of real-time evidence cannot be over-emphasized.
The most amazing part of these initiatives is that the people are channeling their grief and expressing human solidarity by donating to the most vulnerable community of this country. As of the time I am writing this, Bidyanondo, a small social venture, has been able to secure a donation of over BDT 1,45,61,074, with the aim of distributing food to five lac marginalised people who might lose their income sources during the lockdown of Dhaka city.
The Guardian reported that the Coronavirus is ‘fuelling’ domestic violence. Social distancing could be a nightmare for people facing abuse at home, as it entails that they will be ‘trapped’ with their abusive partners.