Economist have suggested providing immediate special cash incentives to those group of people most affected by the current coronavirus in order to overcome the worsening national and global crisis. The experts strongly recommend safeguarding the ‘vulnerable groups’ to keep the economy still active in order to assure them about financial support.
They said the government should immediately undertake ‘financial safety’ measures in areas of healthcare, trade, supply chain management, public expenditure and monetary policy to tackle the fast-spreading coronavirus. Experts said that the government may introduce food rationing for lower-income wage earners, particularly those who are dependent on daily wages like pulling vans, rickshaws, engaged in construction, working in factories and transports.
Besides, the government should provide special incentive packages for the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, affected by the global coronavirus pandemic. Taking to Bangladesh Post, many people belonging to the lower tier of the society said, “We are working under great risks of being exposed to the infection by the deadly virus. In the face of the crisis it seems everything is shutting down. In this situation the government should consider offering cash or food rationing for our survival.”
A rickshaw puller Moklesur Rahman who now earns less than half of he used to earn a week ago, said, “If I don’t get passengers I may have to rethink about an alternative way of earning.” “People’s movement has gradually decreased in the country following the coronavirus outbreak,” he said adding that, “If I cannot earn money for a long time, how can I manage money to buy daily essential.”
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Rubana Huq said, “We are passing very difficult time in garment industry due to the spread of pandemic coronavirus as foreign buyers are cancelling their placed work orders in the country.” She continued, "We have got update of 1089 factories in our server. Based on the information we have come to know till now that more than 87.32 percent work orders worth almost $1.48 billion are cancelled. Around 12 lakh workers are engaged in these factories,"she added.
As a result, she feared that the salaries of the workers would be withheld. Dr Enamur Rahman, State Minister for disaster, management and relief told Bangladesh Post, “Nobody will die in a food crisis; we have already decided to distribute relief among lower income people in those areas already locked down, and those that will be, considering the situation,”
Eminent economist Zahid Hussain told Bangladesh post, “The outbreak of the coronavirus in the world has dealt a heavy blow to the global economy, which may also affectthe economy in Bangladesh.” “Bangladesh is going to face many challenges as coronavirus has broken all activities of the country,” he added.
He mentioned most of the workers of Bangladesh anticipated losing jobs as many companies have temporary closed while many small businessmen have passed critical time following coronavirus scare. People’s movement has gradually decreased in the country following the coronavirus outbreak, coupled with uncertainty among the lower income people, whose livelihood is earned on a daily basis, he mentioned.
As a result, the government should immediately create funds to provide cash financial incentives for managing badly situation of the country, he added. The government should give first priority to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to all doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, he said adding thatif their personal protection is not ensured, they will be too afraid to continue treatment.
