Innovision Consulting released a Digest on low-income groups to assess the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods. The survey focuses on the occupational group Construction Workers, revealing that their monthly incomes plummeted by 94% following the national lockdown. Previously earning an average of BDT 16,325, workers saw their revenue crash to just BDT 955, while overall household income fell by 91%. Female workers faced an even steeper climb, starting from a pre-lockdown average of only BDT 8,375.
The coping capacity for this group remains critically low, as 71% of Construction Workers report having no savings. Those with reserves can only sustain their families for an average of six days, making them highly dependent on informal loans. Innovision’s data shows that while 48% received some relief, the assistance was often not needs-based, leaving many unable to afford nutritious food or medicine. Furthermore, 74% lack formal bank accounts, preventing them from accessing official government stimulus packages.
Innovision recommends immediate bailout packages for Construction Workers, including rent assistance and nutrition programs for children. Establishing systematic disaster funds and ensuring proper NID-based identification will be essential to safeguarding this vital workforce from deep poverty and social unrest.
Read the full report here: Link
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