It is well-known that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed enormous challenges to every nation around the globe. Some countries have been more negatively affected by the crisis than others, because of several factors including the high population density, the poor capacity of the healthcare system, and the lack of coordinated efforts. Among others, Bangladesh is suffering the most in the different sectors including the economy, public health, governance and transparency, climate change and disaster management, local government, and food security. It is also notable that Bangladesh is now facing the worst and maybe the longest flood after 1988, according to the UN. The Centre observes that the policymakers are lack assessments and resolutions and there is an information gap among stakeholders regarding preparedness for natural disasters, and the pandemic.

In this context, the Centre for Governance Studies has implemented a project on “Searching the Ways Forward for Bangladesh in the Time of Pandemic”. This project is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative aims to fill the gaps and provide the ways forward for Bangladesh to address the challenges and opportunities in the economy, public health, governance and transparency, climate change and disaster management, local government, and food security. Under this project, the Centre has already developed a total of 6 Policy Briefs. And as per promised, the Centre has also organized a total of 6 Digital Discussion Events and a total of 6 Talk Shows to disseminate the findings.