As the novel coronavirus moves through poorer parts of the world, many expect high infection rates. Cheek by jowl crowding, poverty, limited sanitation facilities, and the urgency to leave home for work to survive - all make social distancing and isolation almost impossible.
Once the Covid-19 pandemic is under control, and the world economy is back on its tracks, the status and fate of the 2030 Agenda, also known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), needs to be reassessed.
Micro and small businesses are the backbone of global economy. They account for more than 90 percent of worldwide businesses and contribute 50 to 60 percent of global employment.
Though comparable to predictions for some European countries, this financial crisis will have an even more critical impact in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh reported the first confirmed COVID-19 death on 18 March 2020 –10 days after reporting the first reported infection on 8 March 2020. As of 15 May, the total number of confirmed cases stood at 20,065 while the number of deaths being reported 298.
Covid-19 has been unfolding in Bangladesh at an alarming rate. As of May 15, 2020, 20,065 infections and 298 deaths have been reported, which are the highest numbers among all 47 LDCs.
The government has repeatedly been asking people to stay home in efforts to contain the spread of the virus. But soon after the 24 March announcement, people started leaving the capital for their village homes in droves. Several local media outlets reported that hundreds of city dwellers boarded buses and trains to head back home, fuelling fears of further spread of the virus throughout the country.
Since March of 2020, Bangladesh is experiencing the wrath of COVID-19 pandemic. As business shut down due to the lockdown, the entire startup ecosystem has been shaken to its core, threatening thousands of startups that create over a million jobs.
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in the lives of millions with devastating economic and social impacts. Although no country or people have been spared from its rampage, it is being experienced differently in terms of gender, class and socioeconomic situations.
One of the few good things Bangladesh is known for around the world is NGOs and their work. About fifty years ago, when the country became independent, the oldest NGOs started their work by providing relief to the people affected by the war of independence by helping to rebuilding their livelihoods.
