The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 millon, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has caught almost every country off-guard, requiring painful adjustments to the new reality. Bangladesh is also not an exception However, Bangladesh has relatively well-managed the acuteness of the pandemic, and its impacts on economy and society are less severe than many other economies, including developed ones in north America and Europe, and other neighboring countries in South Asia .

A key factor behind the relatively less severe economic impacts in Bangladesh is the recovery of domestic consumption, fuelled partly by remittances from abroad. In addition, stimulus and social protection packages and pragmatism shown by the government in gradually loosening the lock down and ensuring continuation of economic activities, have helped maintain a moderate pace of economic growth The recent progress of the Covid-19 vaccine development raises hope that economic activities in major export destinations of Bangladesh will return to normal by mid to late 2021.
 

The pandemic highlighted significant inadequacies and inefficiencies in the healthcare sector and social protection schemes Public healthcare spending in Bangladesh is among the lowest in the world and has resulted in severe under-investment in public healthcare facilities In the post Covid 19 era, public expenditure in the health sector should be significantly increased. The introduction of a universal healthcare system will be a key priority. A leaner and more capable administrative structure of relevant agencies will help in effective management of the expanding health expenditure. A more efficient healthcare administration would also help with prudent utilization of funds for various emergency projects taken during the pandemic

SU There are about 125 social protection schemes currently managed by the government in Bangladesh However, various temporary social support measures were introduced to fill the gaps in the face of prolonged lock down. In a post Covid-19 era, the social protection schemes can be mainstreamed with increased budget allocation, wider coverage, better targeting and strengthened administration and effective delivery to the beneficiaries using digital technologies

The pandemic has also exposed the inadequacies in the education sector to utilize technology for online education Improving the delivery and quality of online education should be a key priority in the post Cavid-19 era with particular attention to rural and lagging areas Enhancing the quality of education at all levels starting from primary to tertiary level, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to improve skillets of its workforce, should be pursued vigorously. A quality labour force with appropriate skills will be an essential conduit of a competitive and drastically changing business climate in the post pandemic era

The pandemic has also outlined the need for quality infrastructure investments, particularly in urban areas Developing smart public transport systems in large urban areas should be a key priority. Reliable, uninterrupted electricity supply and internet connectivity are prerequisites to provide essential services such as work from home, education, healthcare, food supply services, online businesses and social protection services. Adopting a national grid code, together with upgrading the transmission and distribution infrastructure and increasing the internet bandwidth through better digital infrastructure, should be key priorities Increased focus should be directed towards clean

water access and modern sewerage facilities in urban areas Reshaping rural areas as economic centers is an important lesson from the pandemic. Localization of growth can facilitate equitable economic growth throughout the country. Launching of programmes such as One Village, One Product (QVOP) or One District, One Product (ODOP) could create local employment, strengthen rural ecology and rejuvenate local economies Accelerated implementation of the government's "My Village My Town programme will bring urban amenities to the doorsteps

of rural dwellers Agriculture and rural non-farm sectors should be given more importance in light of the recent reverse migration caused by the pandemic as well as a risk of food scarcity Modernization of agriculture for increased productivity and developing robust supply chains for agricultural products should be key areas to focus on Agricultural logistics systems should be strengthened to directly link the farmers and small agri-entrepreneurs to the consumers, curtailing the influence of the middlemen. Focus on research and development (R&D) in agricultural products can pave the way for increased food security and export potential.

Although the pandemic is still on, and the second or third wave is raging in many countries and regions, the development of vaccines is progressing well and recently reported successes provide hope for the New Year. As the world cast its sight towards a post Covid-19 era, Bangladesh needs to prepare for a new normal based on lessons from the pandemic. With relatively less fatalities and economic damage from the pandemic, Bangladesh is well positioned to move forward vigorously with reforms. The once in a century pandemic can open up once in a century opportunities for a young, resilient and vibrant nation like Bangladesh Prioritization and pragmatic policy shifts are the needs of the hour.