The recent wave of student protests in Bangladesh, from July to August 2024, has significantly impacted various aspects of the country’s daily life, resulting in a noticeable negative influence. Initially sparked by frustrations with unfair quota systems and broader concerns about inequality, the protests aimed to address fundamental structural issues. Unfortunately, these demonstrations have resulted in significant financial setbacks for daily wage labourers, who rely on their daily wages for survival.
People who rely on their daily income are heavily dependent on their earnings. The disruptions caused by protests and curfews have had a significant impact on company operations and transit networks, reducing daily earnings and presenting significant challenges to everyday life.
Unfortunately, protests and demonstrations have caused businesses and markets to close, resulting in small business owners facing a decline in their daily revenues. In this scenario, they encounter difficulties fulfilling their financial obligations and meeting their basic daily needs.
The road blockades caused by the demonstrations and curfews have negatively impacted the earnings of transportation workers, such as rickshaws and CNG car drivers, as well as others employed in the transportation sector. Their daily wages, which are currently at risk, are critical to their livelihood. Now, I will carefully analyse the organisations impacted by these disruptions.
Rickshaw Pullers
The protests had a significant impact on the public transport system in Bangladesh. Roadblocks and curfews led to a decrease in passenger traffic, resulting in a substantial decline in the earnings of rickshaw pullers. As a result of the reduction in the number of travellers, their daily earnings have experienced a significant decline. The increasing maintenance and rent costs, combined with a decrease in profits, are worsening the financial challenges that many rickshaw pullers are facing. People who cannot work for extended periods may require assistance fulfilling their regular responsibilities.
Day Laborers
Daytime workers in physically demanding jobs such as construction have demonstrated an increased risk of injuries. The protests have caused project delays and resulted in job terminations, leaving many individuals without daily wages. Day labourers face considerable economic challenges due to the closure or limited operation of construction projects. Given the current job uncertainty, their financial difficulties have become more severe, leading to a greater need for assistance to meet their basic survival needs.
CNG Drivers
Like rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers have also faced considerable financial setbacks due to the ongoing disruption. The implementation of curfews and movement restrictions has impacted their ability to fulfill their operational duties. Drivers increasingly face challenges covering fuel and auto maintenance costs as their earning potential decreases. The unpredictability of work hours adds another layer of complexity for drivers when budgeting and managing their finances.
Uber Drivers
The protests have had a significant adverse effect on Uber drivers. Uber drivers typically rely on a consistent stream of rides for their remuneration. The volume of ride requests has experienced a substantial decline due to the presence of blocked streets and a fall in the number of individuals travelling. Due to the continuous rise in gasoline prices and the significant increase in operational expenses, the consequent decrease in profitability has become even more severe. Uber drivers face substantial financial pressure as they grapple with the challenge of covering additional costs and maintaining the optimal condition of their vehicles.
Tea Stall Owners
The protests have had a significant impact on foot traffic at tea stalls. These owners typically serve people who commute to and from work as well as those who attend local events. As a result of the decrease in pedestrian traffic and limited mobility, their sales have significantly declined. This decrease in revenue has a significant impact on their ability to quickly cover rent and acquire supplies. Several tea stall owners are seeking support to maintain their operations amidst a decrease in consumer numbers and increasing expenses.
Small Food Vendors
Furthermore, small food vendors face comparable challenges to those selling snacks and meals on the street. The protests have significantly impacted the number of people purchasing food from street vendors, resulting in a noticeable decline in sales and income. A decrease in sales can quickly lead to financial instability for these providers, who often operate with low profit margins. Amid this challenging period, they face several significant hurdles, including a lack of customers and increased ingredient costs.
Small business owners and shopkeepers
Stores and markets have closed due to the ongoing protests and curfews. As a result, small business owners are experiencing a decrease in their daily earnings. As a result of this situation, they are facing challenges in paying their bills and covering their daily expenses, which are crucial for maintaining their livelihood.
Conclusion
The student demonstrations in Bangladesh have had a significant impact on the economy, and this has brought to light the precarious position of daily wage laborers, who are the foundation of the informal sector in the country.
The protests seek to address critical social and systemic issues, yet the immediate implications for individuals dependent on daily incomes are severe. Rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers, Uber drivers, day labourers, tea stall owners, and small food sellers are all examples of people who have experienced a decrease in their income and an increase in the financial strain they suffer due to political and social instability.
To address these challenges, it will be necessary to strike a balance between supporting the demonstrators’ genuine demands and reducing the dire consequences for the most disadvantaged segments of society.