In dealing with the ongoing pandemic, maintaining proper hygiene, adequate social distancing, providing medical support and assistance have become a challenge. The second wave of COVID-19 hit Bangladesh. The rate of infection and death is rising rapidly during the past couple of weeks. One cannot overlook the issue of the new variants of the coronavirus which is known for its mutating character. In this backdrop, the government is going to enforce a week-long hard lockdown across the country from the upcoming week. In the previous year 2020, government imposed a similar lockdown which had a long-term impact on economy, employment, education and other livelihood factors. We are still struggling to recover from the economic crisis that we already had. If the government imposes another lockdown, there will be a huge impact on health, economy, employment and challenges in other related sectors.
These observations emerged at the CPD’s virtual dialogue titled How will we tackle the second wave of the pandemic, held on Monday 12 April 2021
CPD’s Executive Director, Dr Fahmida Khatun moderated the session. In her welcome remarks, she stated that the rate of infection is increasing compared to last year. She also emphasised the importance of keeping the production process running while maintaining a balance between lives and livelihoods.
Mr Md Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin), MP, Former President, The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI); Former President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Managing Director, Onus Garments Ltd said, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are hit hard due to this pandemic and lockdown. SMEs struggle to obtain government’s COVID stimulus funds since the commercial banks are reluctant to lend. He called upon all to work together, citing Bangladesh’s capability in disaster response.
Dr Mushtaque Raza Chowdhury, Convener, Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW); Former Vice Chairperson, BRAC and Adviser, James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University focused on increasing awareness among general people. Providing community health service by connecting the private sector will help in tackling the situation. Adding with Dr Chowdhury, Mr Faruque Hassan, President Elect, BGMEA and Managing Director, Giant Group thinks, if the garment factory closes in the lockdown, many workers will use public transport in rural homes, which could increase the risk of infection.
Dr A M Shamim, Managing Director, Lab Aid Group mentioned that the demand for oxygen has increased four times, so the supply of oxygen for non-medical uses should be reduced. He also suggested that the healthcare workers should be rewarded by the government and Bangladesh should explore other vaccine options such as SinoVac and Sputnik V. Besides, more companies should be allowed to import or manufacture key COVID medicines so that their high prices come down.
Dr Mohammad Mushtuq Husain, Advisor, IEDCR (Consultant, COVID-19 Pandemic Control, World Bank) and Former Principal Scientific Officer & Head, Depatment of Medical Social Science, IEDCR suggested to follow restrictions up to Eid-ul-Azha. Infections rise fast, but take time to fall. Field hospitals should be made everywhere by converting community centres into hospitals.
Mr Faruque Hassan, President, Bangladesh Garments Exporters Manufacturing and Exporters Association (BGMEA) informed that 10 teams from BGMEA monitor the level of compliance with COVID protocol every day and there is third party audit at every factory. He mentioned that workers have received salary and bonus during the pandemic last year, and they will continue to receive salary and bonus this year since the factories are open.
“Our experience with field hospitals is very poor”, said Dr A S M Alamgir, Principal Scientific Officer (SSO), Department of Medical Entomology, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR) and stated that, people do not want to come to field hospitals due to their poor management. To approach alternative vaccines for Bangladesh; we need to open international tender. Also maintaining health and safety protocol can protect us from every variant of the virus.
Mr Md Helal Uddin, President, National Association of Shop Owners in Bangladesh and Senior Vice-President, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) mentioned that one-third of all annual economic activity occurs during this time period and small traders as well as small shops have received any support from the government yet. Hence, a lockdown during this time would incur a great loss to the medium and small businesses.
Focusing on the contribution of the factory owners, Ms Taslima Akhter, Coordinator, Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity urged to set up field hospitals and isolation centres near workers’ living area, ensure COVID testing facilities and paying for the medical treatment of RMG workers who are suffering from pandemic. She said that RMG workers should be recognised as frontline workers.
Mr Farooq Ahmed, Secretary General, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) and Secretary General, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) emphasized on higher public awareness. He also said that more companies should be allowed to import life-saving drugs.
Lockdown has an economic impact but it will put a stop to the transmission process said Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, CPD. It is time to prioritise life over livelihood and the opinion of health experts is this case are most important.
Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, CPD along with a number of government officials, business leaders, development activists, experts and academia, representatives from the development partners and media professionals also spoke at the virtual event.