The year 2020 in Bangladesh was profoundly shaped by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which dominated the national landscape and triggered sweeping health, economic, and educational crises.

1. Nationwide COVID-19 Lockdown and ShutdownTo curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Bangladesh government declared a nationwide "general holiday" and strict lockdown starting March 26. All public and private offices, educational institutions, and transport networks were suspended, deeply disrupting daily life and pushing vulnerable populations below the poverty line.

2. Rollout of the ৳89,500 Crore Stimulus PackageIn response to widespread economic fallout, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced a massive stimulus package of nearly US$8 billion (৳89,500 crore). The funds were aimed at supporting affected industries, preventing mass layoffs, and assisting informal sector workers and export-oriented garment factories.3. Historic Shift in the Education SystemAll educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, were closed in March to prevent the spread of the virus. As closures dragged on for months, the government was forced to abandon traditional methods and cancel public examinations, deciding to promote students to the next grade based on their previous academic results.

4. The Rohingya Camp LockdownBangladesh, which was already hosting over a million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, faced the threat of the virus tearing through the overcrowded settlements. Authorities imposed a complete lockdown on the camps in April, barring entry and exit, while setting up isolation and treatment centers to mitigate a potential humanitarian disaster.

5. Massive Surges in Expatriate RemittancesDespite the global economic downturn and the return of thousands of overseas workers who lost their jobs, Bangladesh saw a historic surge in remittance inflows. Expatriate workers sent home record-breaking amounts of money, providing a crucial lifeline to the country's foreign exchange reserves and rural economies.