ABSTRACT
As the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is jeopardized by the COVID-19 pandemic, implications are grave for the vulnerable population. This chapter presents a novel COVID-19 Impact Index guided by an analytical framework to understand and measure the impact on the livelihood conditions of the vulnerable in Bangladesh. This is captured via 28 SDG indicators grouped under economic, social, environmental, and governance pillars. The index is based on four impact dimensions – intensity, time, linkage, and disaggregation – and conveys that the highest impact intensity is associated with the economic pillar, while the effect on the social pillar imparts the greatest impact on the vulnerable. The strong interlinkages of economic and social pillar indicators also multiply the disproportionate impact. While environment and governance pillars are relatively less affected, the impact on certain indicators channels increased distress to the marginalized. Prolonging the effects into the medium-term mandates forecasting the indicators to ensure SDG attainment and inclusive development through the pandemic recovery.
