The government is trying its best to tackle smoothly the situation created due to both the coronavirus pandemic and the flood disaster. A raft of effective measures are being taken to keep people financially solvent and damaged economy active during this period of crisis.
However, it is true the deadly COVID-19 pandemic followed by the devastating floods has made it difficult for the government to tackle the situation smoothly.
According to sources, pressure is mounting on the government as the deadly coronavirus pandemic is lingering. None could say exactly how long the rough virus would last and where the situation will lead to.
In the circumstance, unemployment of a large number of people and massive damages by floods added extra worries to them and pressures have been created for the government as well.
Creating employment for the jobless appears to be a big challenge for the government. Unemployment will reduce people's purchasing power.
Economists fear that this might disrupt overall productions. They said if the Corona situation prolongs, it will be a bigger political challenge for the government in days to come.
According to sources in the government, while the government is moving ahead with the implementation of various incentive packages to make the economy of the country normal, the flood has come as an another disaster to compound the crisis, which posed a new challenge along with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flood is causing a massive damage to agriculture. Income of the people in the flood-hit areas has almost stopped. Besides, working capacities have also declined. As a result, production and marketing systems are being severely disrupted.
Senior leaders of the ruling Awami League fear that more difficult times are waiting as the death and infection rate in Corona is increasing. The party has come to power for the third time in a row. But in less than a year and a half, the government is facing a lot of crises due to natural calamities.
Abdur Rahman, a presidium member of Awami League, said there is no limit to the worries over the corona pandemic. But the crisis must be dealt with patiently. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina is taking effective and timely steps in this regard. She spares no pains to save lives and livelihoods of the people.
It may be recalled mentioned that the first case of coronavirus infection in Bangladesh was detected on March 7.
Talking about the prevailing situation several leaders of the Awami League have figured out the circumstance and also the described the government measures being taken.
They said they all are worried about the tackling the invisible enemy like coronavirus. The government is now facing a tough challenge to save the people and the economy of the country.
However, they said, all types of initiatives have been taken. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now passing more busy time now than ever before. She is keeping close eyes on the situation and providing necessary directions.
Earlier on June 15, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her determination to fight against coronavirus and win the pandemic.
"We will not be loser in the fight," she said adding that death could come any time for any reason.
It should be mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so far has issued 64 directives to address the crisis caused by coronavirus.
An incentive of Tk 1 lakh 3 thousand 117 crore has been announced to keep the damaged economy strong. Relief materials have been distributed to 1.75 crore families across the country or 7 crorre 41 lakh 32 thousand and 312 people.
In addition, in last May, a total of Tk 1,250 crore cash assistance has been provided to the 50 lakh families affected by the corona. Each of the families has been provided Tk 2,500 in cash.
On the other hand, the government has requested the authorities of 170 countries to create alternative job facilities to those expatriates who might have lost their jobs or returned to the country.
Meanwhile, even in such a situation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's various initiatives to fight the coronavirus pandemic have received accolade worldwide.
In the April 24 issue of the world famous Forbes magazine, Sheikh Hasina has been praised for fighting the corona virus smoothly. She has also been praised by the World Economic Forum.
