Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Zero Access to Technology Users in Bangladesh

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been holding back the developments of the world and forcing humanity to a burdened edge. Within this unprecedented health emergency, the education sector has been facing one of the most unpredicted challenges. This paper aims to analyze the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on zero access to technology users in the primary education level of Bangladesh. This study employs an in-depth interview with 48 students, 12 teachers, and 15 parents at Tala Upazila under Satkhira district. The study's findings reveal that in primary education level, students who have zero access to technologies have been suffering significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they have limited scope to study at home, many are about to leave school permanently to support their parents’ earnings while facing financial insolvency. In this regard, this research can help the education authorities and policymakers facilitate this segment's learning process in such a disruption and minimize school dropouts at their very early stage of education.