Covid-19 has already created a deep socio-economic disruption in our country. The pandemic may cause a deep and lasting recession that will further wide monetary crises and economic gaps. The burning question now is how countries are responding to this crisis.
Bangladesh’s mandate is to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 by reaching official “developing country” status by 2024 through the upcoming 8th Five Year Plan (fiscal years 2021-2025) and build a “developed country” by fulfilling Vision 2041. Aiming to achieve SDGs in all countries will require additional global investments in the range of $5trillion to $7 trillion per year up.
Besides, the government’s General Economics Division under the Planning Commission says that, a part from internal financial contribution,an average share of around 15% is being projected from the external sources where the share of foreign direct investment is 10% and development partners’(DP) financial contribution is 5% of total SDG financing,including NGO contribution which is around 4%.
DPs and civil society organizations (CSOs) can play vital roles by supporting the government in the domain of private sector engagement and the utilization of youth and demographic dividend through innovative SME financing, climate financing, primary health care for all, smart urbanization, better citizen services, quality education for all,and ensuring transparency and accountability as well. Therefore, prioritization of similar strategies by the DPs/CSOs would be required by synchronizing their respective developmental plans in line with the government’s priority.
To ensure the rapid transformation of rural Bangladesh, a major strategy and one of the electoral manifestos, titled “My Village-My Town,” which aims to bring modern civic amenities to every village, has to be reflected in the government’s plan of action. The question is how these goals will be achieve.
Apart from the government’s approach of integrated rural planning, CSOs can reach out to remote communities in hard-to-reach areas.Therefore, DPs can contribute to this by providing technical assistance to government’s delivery mechanisms (both in supply and demand), on top of sufficient funding and competent human resources.
CSOs may develop a strategy to monitor and participate in the implementation of the PM’s stimulus pack-ages to address the impact of the coronavirus. Currently, only $4.2 (about Tk357) per person per year is spent on health. Out of pocket expenditures on health account for a further $10.4 (Tk884) per person per year.
Even if possible, DPs and CSO scan seek membership at the national level COVID-19 management committees to contribute holistically. Of course, the adoption and execution of the government’s “zero tolerance policy” against corruption would be essential in this regard.
The government’s target is to create 11.3 million new jobs in the next five years. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 60% of our population is of working age and 35%of it consists of the youth.
To perceive what kind of job opportunities will be created in the next five years, universities should emphasize this as part of their research.Indeed, DP’s extensive assistance is a must for fulfilling the government’s target of creating new jobs by 2025.
As of January 2020, more than 2,500 CSOs are registered in Bangladesh according to the NGO Affairs Bureau, which was around 7,000 in 2014. Only a small number of philanthropic DPs are engaged in advocacy to challenge the shrinking space.
As recognized by the 2030 Agenda, CSOs can play a critical role in SDG implementation by raising awareness and mobilizing remote communities, building capacity across the implementers, reviewing policies, and holding governments accountable to their commitments.
Likewise, project proposals from CSOs should be well aligned with national priorities and the country’s agreed SDG targets. It should also avoid duplication of interventions among the entities and cover as many marginalized and vulnerable communities across the country as possible.
Presently, CSOs are in an uncomfortable position, running out of funds and facing tighter scrutiny from the government. This needs to be minimized to ensure a better balance between governmental organizations and NGOs. No goal or target can be achieved in isolation.
Bangladesh is in the midst of an economic crisis due to Covid-19. To overcome it, the best combination of the economic, environmental, and political approaches (termed as the“rainbow stimulus” by Overseas Development Institute) must be explored by the government. Meanwhile, DP scan contribute to more aid for trade,invest in infrastructure, support green growth, improve social protection,and ensure good governance.
Every crisis brings opportunities.If we consider Covid-19 as a catalyst for positive change, then it might open up windows towards sustainable progress. If the government, development partners, and civil society organizations work together, we can achieve much more as a nation.
Nazma Sultana Lily and Saeed Ahmed Siddiquee work in the development sector of Bangladesh. Reach them at [email protected] and [email protected].
