‘A vain attempt to normalise the country in an abnormal state’

Seeing the steps taken by the government, it seems that we are now moving towards herd immunity. But, herd immunity is not possible for us right now. The government is trying to normalise everything under unusual circumstances. But the effort is not going to work in reality.

Everyone is worried inside. The rate of infection is increasing every day. Very few people will want to risk their lives and go to work. How can we expect them to since herd immunity is not happening in any other country in the world? The problem has kept growing. It remains to be seen to what level this virus is taking us.

We have to pay a price for it. Death and disease have a terrible impact on human life. The economy will not be able to recover completely even if the government wants it wholeheartedly.

The government has taken an initiative to make the economy vibrant. But I doubt it will work in this situation as many people will not want to work amid the risk of getting infected. All countries of the world are trying to handle this unstable atmosphere.

There was a plan to bring in foreign investors and buyers. That, too, is not possible in this situation. Buyers will not come here even if their countries get back to normalcy. Everyone thinks of their own life. On the other hand, even if we produce products, we cannot go out to sell them. Our Biman will not be allowed to fly to other countries before we can bring the situation here under control - so, we cannot go. As a result, it is not possible for our businesses and economy to become normal.

I do not think we will be free from this situation because of these decisions. We were not in lockdown from the very beginning. There was a lack of awareness among the people. The government was not on the hardline either. However, still there is time. The government can go on the hardline to impose lockdown strictly. The door for the economy can open again if the situation gets normal.

Ahsan H Mansur, is the executive director at Policy Research Institute