SMEs need special attention
Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) are the ones that play greater roles for the development of an economy since most people work under whether a small or a medium enterprise. They are the businesses most vulnerable to any adverse situation. These businesses have been severely hit by the pandemic throughout the world due to the disruption of a national and international network of businesses and their supply chain.
At the same time, this led to many other adverse effects on the economy. Thousands of workers all over the country were losing their jobs, and the policymakers are working hard to narrow down the gender gap, it was again widening because female labor-intensive works such as beauty parlors and tailoring are facing even more negative consequences due to the pandemic. However, for both the small and medium enterprises, the profits dropped drastically and even led to situations of unbearable losses and clearly indicated the importance of lifting them up for the economy.
The study suggests that there are severe concerns of potential vulnerabilities for the small and medium enterprises in the future as well, and aimed to bring about the importance of supporting them from the current period, suggesting the government to provide stimulus packages and other kinds of financial support.
Afroja Anwar Bidisha
Student, North South University
Soaring commodity price
Amid flood almost countrywide, prices of essential commodities like onion, rice, pulses, oil etc. have been increased creating an artificial crisis in the market. Previously stocked products are also sold at higher prices. Low quality products have been also sold at high prices saying shortage of products in the market. Consequently, middle class and lower class people suffer the most.
However, making such unethical extra profit is not new in Bangladesh. But it is possible to control the price of goods in the local market if the market syndication can be eliminated. The government should take stern action against the traders involved in illegal manipulation.
Tehrin Tameeha Farrukh
Narayanganj
