Clicky
National

Large number of people become unemployed in northern districts


Published : 28 Mar 2020 09:13 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 12:38 AM

The nationwide 10-day shutdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the country began on Thursday. Businesses and other activities have been closed across the country following the government’s directives. 

As a result, a large number of low-income people, particularly the low-income people of northern parts of the country, have become unemployed. 

The condition of these workers including rickshaw drivers, van drivers and people who have been left idle is very critical due to the closure of businesses for corona virus outbreak. They are unable to go to work, even if they do get out of their houses they can not find any work causing their family and themselves to live in a terrible condition.

Moreover, they do not posses personal protection equipment so they are at risk of getting infected by the virus more than others. The local administration has allowed the opening of daily commodity markets and shops till 7 pm. As a result, the markets are empty after 7 pm. 

Public transport has been blocked and roads have been cleared. Drivers are not getting any passengers although few rickshaw, auto rickshaw and two wheelers are seen plying in the town and the village streets. 

People who are working in this situation are suffering. The local administration has directed to maintain social distance through miking in the Dinajpur. The police administration is working with the army to implement this directive.

Lokman, a rickshaw driver from Dinajpur, said that if he did not go out with his rickshaw for a day he would not have a meal. So he had been roaming around the town since morning with rickshaw, he said on Friday.

There are no people in the town or on the streets, so there is no trip for them. If they can't earn they can not get food.  “We poor people buy rice every day”, says Quddus, another auto rickshaw driver in the town. “Even if we are not allowed to drive, you have no choice. I brought the auto out but there are no passengers. If this continues, my family will go hungry”, he added.

Meanwhile, the condition of a large number of workers including rickshaw drivers, van drivers and people who have been left idle in the district is very critical due to the closure of businesses for corona virus outbreak.

Although some non-govt organisations are helping them with food items and protective equipment, it is hardly enough. So, these helpless people are seeking the help and support of the government and society.