Dhaka, May 9 -- The think-tank also called for special focus to given on reviving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and expanding the social safety net programmes (SSNP) in the upcoming budget as part of its recommendations to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on the national economy.

Despite the immense economic and humanitarian costs, CPD believes the government made the right call by enforcing a nationwide shutdown to limit the outbreak but warned that the resumption of economic activities must be informed by health and safety priorities.

In light of the ongoing crisis, public expenditures should be made in a manner that creates employment opportunities without increasing inflationary pressure in the economy, it said....