The COVID-19: Socioeconomic Crisis and Its Management on a Bangladeshi Coastal Island

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the socio-economic crisis aroused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated prevention measures on the coastal riverine island Nalua in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional household questionnaire survey was done among the randomly selected households in the study area. This study revealed that more than 70 percent of the surveyed households had at least one member with COVID-19 symptoms. The local administration and community-based organizations have taken initiatives to enforce the government’s order on the island, but about three-fourths of households did not test their family members having COVID-19 symptoms because of fear of isolation and societal barriers. However, whether tested or not, approximately 15 percent of households took steps to isolate the infected person from the rest of the family. The demand for hand washing agents, face masks, and gloves increased in the study area. Island dwellers' food supplies were hampered and about 74 percent were supposed to buy food items at an increased price. For recovering from the educational crisis, the students watched live television classes, participated in online class lectures, and submitted their desired assignments to their institutions. According to survey results, about 39 percent of economically active family members lost their income-generating occupations. To manage their livelihoods, island dwellers have switched their income sources and, in most cases, taken consumer loans. This study suggests that governments, non-government organizations, and community-based organizations need to take effective steps to reduce socioeconomic crises during pandemics.