COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis of isolation

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented effect on people all around the world and Bangladesh is no exception. Since the virus was first reported in the country, many have already died from fever and respiratory difficulties. Due to a shortage of test kits it is not possible to test everyone but with time, the government has been trying to increase the number of tests. COVID-19 is already changing how we look at the world, and the world will not be the same post-COVID-19. This, apparently, is going to be our 'new normal'. An inescapable reality of the pandemic are the devastating effects of social distancing, isolation and other measures on people's lives, especially those of the poor. These measures have had far-reaching effects on marginalized populations physically, mentally and emotionally. A large number of people in Dhaka are homeless and they have nowhere to go. The government has not yet taken any steps to arrange shelter for these people though there are other initiatives through which many of the poor are receiving food and other relief. The people living under the poverty line are mainly concerned about food and survival. They are afraid that hunger might kill them before the virus does.

Mohammad Fahim Ahamed Riyad is a documentary photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.