Md. Muzibur Rahman :
Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country as it is situated in the delta region with the Bay of Bengal. Flood, drought, cyclone, river erosion and other natural calamities are the common phenomenon in this country. The brave nation (Bangladeshi) in the world which has capacity and capability to face any challenge and is able to come out any situation when arises. At present, Corona virus is an epidemic is the matter of panic to all the people in the country and it is also panic of the world. All developed and developing countries are thinking about the causes of outbreak of this disease and possible remedies.
Bangladesh has suspended on arrival visas for all countries and stopped taking travelers from some European countries until March 31 to keep Bangladesh safe. Several flights have been suspended; restrictions have been imposed on travelers and on the peoples by the health ministry and by the executive orders. All the official leaves for the health workers, related law enforcing agencies and officials have been cancelled and all has been advised to be alert for any situation. All the routes either with roads and highways, air and sea travels have been monitoring and trying to halt all types of epidemics so far.
The Government even cut the mega event on March 17 making the birth centenary of Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; School, Colleges and Universities are closed and other precautionary measures have been taken seriously. National and regional cooperation and coordination has been stressed and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) leaders have been in one opinion to combat this disease all together. Video-conference has been made between the leaders among the SAARC countries. SAARC leaders have proposed to form an emergency COVID-19 combating fund and set up an international standard health institute of research of diseases.
World Bank and ADB (Asian Development Bank) has assured to assist Bangladesh to combat of this disease. The Asian Development Bank has recently announced a $6.5b initial package to address the immediate needs of its developing member countries as they respond to the novel Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. ADB president has stressed that ADB stands ready to provide further financial assistance and policy advice down the road whenever the situation warrants, on top of the $6.5 billion package. It’s clear that we have to work together. We can respond best by coming together not growing apart; collaboration not confusion; preparation not panic. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and societal emergency that requires effective immediate action by governments, individuals and businesses. All businesses have a key role to play in minimizing the likelihood of transmission and impact on society.
Early, bold and effective action will reduce short- term risks to employees and long-term costs to businesses and the economy. For the panic of this virus, some restrictions have been imposed on import-export, entry on foreign vessels, movements of passengers, foreigners, tourists etc. and prices of essentials have been rising on panic buying and sales, affecting on production, distributions, marketing of the products. The outbreak of Corona virus diseases is now a matter of fear and anxiety to the people in the home and abroad. But we shall have to mind that the situation is of temporary and we shall face this challenge by the help our God (All Mighty Allah-The Creator). So, our domestic economic activities should not be halted. Farms and industries’ production activities should not be disheartened by any panic.
We shall have to be careful so that nobody can take any advantage in the name of this crisis. And nobody can make any artificial crisis in the business, markets and in the economy. All media either print; social media and electronic media should have to do positive roles in this respect. We shall have to more aware of health related issues taking all pragmatic measures and pray to God for the recovery of the affected persons and precautionary measures for safety and security from the attacks of this disease. We should believe ourselves that we are the brave nation and if we wish and act cordially, sincerely, transparently and bravely, we will be able to overcome this situation.
(Md. Muzibur Rahman, writes on development & economics issues, email: [email protected])
