NSU Live: Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an emerging security threat for humankind. Millions of people have already been infected and several hundred thousand died from Covid-19 across the world. The death rate is alarming and changing every day. Centre for Peace Studies (CPS) and South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of North South University organized second virtual conference on “Impacts, Consequences and Responses to COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A Human Security Approach" on Thursday, 09 July, 2020 over zoom conference. The subject matters of topics discussed at the conference, were poverty and inequality, Migration and Remittance, and the mental health of corona-affected adolescents.

After introductory speech of the Director of SIPG, Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh discussed about the after-Corona impact on poverty and inequality in the country. During this time, he said that although we have succeeded in alleviating poverty, Corona brings big limitations, for this reason many new people can come below the poverty line. The distribution of government resources must ensure that government aid reaches the poorest sections of society he added. Ambassador Shahidul Haque, Senior Fellow, SIPG, North South University mentioned the fear of declining migration rate for Bangladesh during the Corona period which will have a negative impact on our foreign exchange earnings.

He emphasized on ensuring the human rights of migrants and their successful reintegration into their own society after returning to their country. Professor Helal Mohiuddin, Member, CPS, North South University the third speaker at the conference spoke about the mental health of corona-affected adolescents. During this time, he said, a health strategy needs to be formulated by exposing the dangerous aspects of mental health in adolescents under corona stress and trauma.

Later, Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, Senior Research Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), said, “Those who were already close to the poverty line are coming down to the poverty line again due to Corona. After Corona crisis we have to tackle down poverty through development of education, health, and skilled human resources”. Mr. Giorgi Gigauri, Chief of Mission, IOM (UN Migration Agency) Bangladesh, said “Corona is not only harming working migrants but also other migrants too.

In the case of the family, it is having various effects and will play a role in increasing the poverty rate”. Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, said” The Bangladesh Government has been providing various financial assistance to the migrant victims due to Corona and the govt. has been holding bilateral talks with various countries on this issue.”

In his closing remarks, Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, North South University, said, “The problems of poverty, migration and generation segregation may increase in the future, so we need to address them through long-term planning and policy change. Finally, he concluded the program with a vote of thanks.

Dr. M Jashim Uddin, Coordinator, CPS, NSU conducted the virtual conference.
Among others, Teachers and researchers of the university, media representatives, representatives of various international organizations and embassies including British High Commission, UNESCO, UN, foreign teachers and researchers were also present.

Dhaka, 09 July (campuslive24.com)//Ait