Just when it felt like small businesses in Bangladesh were finding their rhythm again, talk of a possible new COVID wave has naturally stirred concern.
For our small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the past few years have been anything but easy. From lockdowns to supply chain chaos, these businesses-contributing about 25 per cent to our GDP and employing the majority of our industrial workforce-have had to fight hard just to stay afloat. Now, with health alerts coming in from neighbouring countries like India and China, people are asking: Could another wave knock us back again?
The good news is we are not where we were in 2020. Not even close.
Over 88 per cent of adults in Bangladesh have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Most people have returned to normal life and work, and businesses have adapted in impressive ways. Many shop owners now sell through platforms like Daraz, Facebook Marketplace, or even WhatsApp. Some restaurants that once relied on crowded dine-ins now thrive through delivery apps and online orders.
But it is not all smooth sailing.
If global supply chains take another hit-say, if factories in China slow down or ports become congested-it could mean delays and price hikes for local businesses. And let's be honest: even a rumour of restrictions can scare customers away. Remember how quickly foot traffic dried up last time?
Still, the government appears more prepared this time. There's talk of low-interest loans and emergency credit through services like bKash and Nagad, should the situation worsen. Programmes like Meta's "SheMeansBusiness" and support from the SME Foundation are also helping owners boost their digital capacity.
So, what should SME owners do now?
Stay alert. Strengthen online sales channels. Build a small emergency fund, if possible. Talk to suppliers about backup options. And don't wait for a crisis to start planning-start now.
Another COVID surge would be tough-but it wouldn't be the same disaster it was last time. If there is one thing Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have proven, it is that they are incredibly resilient. This time, with the right mindset and a few smart moves, SMEs might not just survive-they might actually grow.
H.M. Ashik Ferdous
Student
SBE, North South University
ashik.ferdous@northsouth.edu
