Bangladesh is home to a large number of ethnic and religious minority groups. They add to the country’s cultural richness and tapestry, making significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development. However, these communities are facing persistent economic and social deprivations, resulting in their further marginalisation. Their access to justice and public services is also limited.
Geographical location at the approach of the Bay of Bengal, land structure involving low-lying terrains, great rivers, and the socioeconomic dynamics of coastal, riverine, and remote communities, have all combined to make Bangladesh the 7th most climate-vulnerable country in the world. The impacts are being manifested in various forms.
Over the recent past years, the pace of urbanisation in Bangladesh has been growing at a very fast pace. This is manifested in the increasing number of urban settlements, both large and small, and the growing number of people residing in urban areas. At present, besides 12 city corporations and 327 municipalities, there are 570 urban centres in Bangladesh.
The COVID-19 pandemic had caused an enduring negative impact on the lives and livelihood of the disadvantaged communities of Bangladesh, i.e., the traditionally “left behind” and the newly “pushed behind” communities. In view of this crisis, the present study, through a face-to-face household survey, focuses on the coping approaches undertaken by some specific disadvantaged groups in Bangladesh.
The current demographic window of opportunity in Bangladesh emphasises youth to be one of the drivers of the country’s development strategy.
COVID-19 continues to leave a trail of devastation in its wake. Diminishing decades worth of development progress, the ongoing pandemic impact extends far beyond the health sector.
