The informal economy in tatters

The informal economy of Bangladesh has been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The city came to a halt on March 23 after the government announced the shutdowns leaving thousands of people who are employed in the informal sector with no or little income.  Although the government kickstarted the economy of May 31, much did not improve.

A plastic-toy hawker in the city walking around looking for a prospective buyer of inexpensive toys. Before the pandemic children would gather around him buying different goodies, but now selling even one toy has become difficult. Photo: Salauddin Ahmed Paulash/TBS

In Dhaka, public transports have been getting only one-third of its usual passengers as most people are still working from home.

A horse-drawn carriage driver patting his horse in the capital’s Nazirabazar area. The pandemic has caused use of public transports, including the iconic horse-drawncarriages in Old Dhaka to drop significantly. Photo: Salauddin Ahmed Paulash/TBS

As a result, many rickshaw and auto-rickshaw pullers are struggling to survive. Moreover, less than 10 percent restaurants have opened but the low turnout of customers are now forcing eateries to close again. The drop in demand has hit every sector –furniture, clothing, footwear and accessories experienced sales drop by 75 to 90 percent, causing factories to cut on staff salaries or lay-off employees.

An empty table captures the state of helplessness of restaurants in Dhaka. Due to virus fears, most restaurants are not reopening, which has forced thousands of workers to survive without jobs and income. Photo: Mumit M/TBS

The pandemic has cut tea-stall sales by 80 percent. Although most malls have reopened, customers are unwilling to go there. Besides, sales on footpaths have also declined by 80 percent due to the pandemic.

A man closing his shop in a city mall. Although shopping malls have opened their doors with safety protocols in place, there has been almost no customer and hence sales have dropped by 70 to 90 percent. Photo: Mumit M/TBS

Most of the hawkers have been forced to pack their little belongings and leave the city for their village home, leaving behind their dreams and hopes of a better tomorrow.