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Editorial

Areas of earning reduce drastically

Subsidy and rent exemption needed


Bangladeshpost
Published : 22 Mar 2020 07:18 PM | Updated : 01 Aug 2021 06:46 PM

With a big proportion of people self-quarantining themselves at home amid coronavirus fears, those in the country’s lower income bracket, especially the daily laborers are facing serious financial hardships. This might only worsen in the following weeks with coronavirus spreading rapidly around the world and in the country. 

Those who rely on their daily earnings such as rickshaw pullers, hawkers, transport workers, construction workers and other daily labourers have already lost a significant portion of their income and it will only decrease in the coming weeks. 

With people not going out of their homes from fear of contracting coronavirus, rickshaw pullers are unable to earn in order to sustain their families. Othertypes of day labourers are also facing a shortage of work with many business operations halting amid the panic being spread over coronavirus.  


During this national  crisis, the government must

prioritise low-income people as they are  the 

most  vulnerable group at the moment


Hawkers are also facing financial difficulties in selling goods as most people are staying indoors during these times. Schools and offices are shutting down one by one, therefore bringing the income of such transport workers and hawkers. 

Moreover, the price of essentials has also seen an increase in the last few days, with many consumers stockpiling goods and driving up prices. However, not everyone has the financial capability of bulk buying goods, or even afford the increased price of essentials. In this type of scenario, low income families are now struggling to put food on the table.

During this national crisis, the government must prioritize low-income people as they are the most vulnerable group at the moment. Not only is their income source been drastically reduced, they also do not have the option to stay at home as they must earn their daily bread. 

In such a situation, wage subsidy, rent exception and other support must be provided to those that need it the most. The government should also provide essential food items and other essentials to low-income families who have lost their income source due to the virus outbreak.


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