Bangladesh is currently dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic which has both impacted the traditionally “left behind” communities disproportionately and also created a new group of “pushed behind” people. The immediate impact of economic adversities has rapidly translated into health, employment, education and other socio-economic fallouts. Households and enterprises are trying to cope with these adverse consequences of the pandemic as best as possible, but the attainment of different targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being put at great risk. While Bangladesh may take the credit for rolling out of the pandemic support at an early stage, its magnitude, composition and delivery have been subject of much discussion and debate.

During the last one and a half years, the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh has invested significantly in exploring the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the disadvantaged citizens and communities of the country. It has carried out face-to-face surveys and reviewed the national and household level experiences, examined the effectiveness of public policy interventions, and reflected on the country’s development landscape and horizon. The conference is being organised to share some of these scholarly works for further dissemination and validation.

Indeed, through this conference, the Platform intends to build a public policy consensus about an inclusive and equitable post-pandemic transition in Bangladesh. This “consensus” is expected to provide added momentum in realising the country’s aspirations to “build back better” from the pandemic and to achieve its medium-term development ambitions.

To participate in person, please send your name and e-mail address to coordinator@bdplatform4sdgs.net