21 January 2021
The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is seeking qualified researcher among its members and well-wishers to develop a a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by the bilateral and multilateral financial institutions in Bangladesh. The Terms of Reference of the job are as follows:
Background
Bangladesh is one of the countries seriously affected by COVID-19 pandemic - both economically and socially. It is also one of the MVCs due to adverse impacts of climate crisis. The rural livelihoods, along with the urban, especially the non-formal sector who contributes around 85% of total economy, was affected highly due to inconsistent lock down, and lack of proper safety net services. The migrated labors and expatriates lost their jobs and were stuck in places which are far from their families.
Bangladesh is also one of the countries facing massive debt-burden in recent years. The total loan of the country crossed USD 63.2 billion with an outstanding loan of USD 38.7 billion. To meet the COVID-19 economic crisis, the GOB has declared several stimulus packages of USD 8,787.00 million for Export Oriented industries, public expenditure and social safety net services, informal sector workers and health & security workers.
Most of the amount from COVID loan went to the national budget directly which has come out again as bail out support for the export oriented industries. A portion of the money has also gone to the private fossil fuel power producers as capacity charge. A large portion of money has gone to the health sector. But media reports revealed massive corruption and mismanagement in the COVID related programs. There are several cases of basic human rights violations also.
Considering the situation, Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) has taken an initiative to start a stock taking on utilization of COVID-19 recovery loans, corruption, human rights violation and responsibilities of the IFIs is important to ensure transparency and accountability as well as human rights in the project activities under the emergency loans.
Broader Objective
Revitalizing Transparency, Accountability and Public Interest in the COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by International Financial Institutes (IFIs) considering impacts of climate change in Bangladesh.
Specific Objectives
- Unwrapping the misuse, corruption, human rights violation and ineffectiveness of the COVID-19 economic recovery finances provided by the International Financial Institutions, especially ADB and AIIB in Bangladesh
- Creating a regional and international space to question eligibility and effectiveness of COVID-19 funds in Bangladesh
- Create an opportunity of evidence based advocacy on COVID-19 recovery financing.
Deliverables
- Preparation of a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans especially covering the issues of Debt Burden, Access to Health and other Essential Services, Access Recovery Facilities, Corruption and Misuse of Funds, Human Rights and Civil Society Space.
- Participation in the National and International Webinars on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, particularly:
- National Discussion on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Burden & Access to Essential Services
- South Asian Regional Dialogue on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Servicing and Role of IFIs
- International Meeting on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Corruption and Basic Human Rights.
Study Timeline
3 Months (1 February - 30 April 2021)
- Preparation of a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans: 15 days (1 Feb - 15 Mar 2021)
- Participation in the National Discussion on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Burden & Access to Essential Services: 1 Day (20 - 25 March 2021)
- Participation in the South Asian Regional Dialogue on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Servicing and Role of IFIs: 1 Day (1 - 10 April 2021)
- Participation in the International Meeting on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Corruption and Basic Human Rights: 1 Day (20 - 30 April 2021)
Budget
The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) will contribute a consolidated amount of BDT 100,000.00 (Bangladesh Taka One lakh only).
Expression of Interest
BWGED Members/allies are requested to submit their Expression of Interest within two pages which includes:
- Background of the Concept
- Process & Methodology of the Study
- Action Plan
- Necessary Inputs
- Curriculum Vitae of the Lead Researcher
Interested members of BWGED are requested to send their Expression of Interest (EOI) through a two-page Concept Note and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Lead Researcher to tuhin@cleanbd.org by 25 January 2020, Monday 5:00 PM (Bangladesh Time).