‘What option do you have when you’re hungry?’

For many people like Abul Kalam, a rickshaw-puller in the capital city for over three decades, Dhaka is now like an eerily silent graveyard as the deadly coronavirus scare has been haunting its dwellers for around a month.

Kalam, 67, says he has never seen Dhaka so desolate.

UN Secretary General António Guterres said the current coronavirus outbreak is the biggest challenge for the world since World War II and could bring a recession.

"Suddenly I'm in big trouble. It's a good decision that we all must stay at home to protect ourselves, but what option do you have if you're hungry?" Kalam, father of three daughters and a son, said to news agency UNB regretting that he had to violate the government's ‘stay at home’ instructions.

Thousands of rickshaw-pullers live in Dhaka and surrounding areas but the majority of them left the capital after the government announced a general holiday from 26 March.

"I think most of the rickshaw-pullers left for their villages," said Kalam from Jinjira, Keraniganj.

Asked about his daily income now, he said, “It's about 100 to 150 taka. Previously I used to earn around Tk 600 every day. My earnings have drastically fallen, putting me in trouble."

The government has taken initiative to provide food assistance to those who live hand to mouth.

Beggars, day-labourers, rickshaw-pullers, van-pullers, transport workers, restaurants workers and small roadside tea stall owners across the country have been brought under the essential food supply facilities.

Asked whether he availed of food support from any source, Kalam said, "I rushed to Dhanmodi 8. But food distribution was completed for the day by then. I didn't wait but looked for a passenger."

The rickshaw-puller became a bit fatalistic. "All are not equally lucky to have such free food support. May be there was nothing for me for the day."

Kalam looked up in the sky as he pedalled his three-wheeler past the Central Hospital towards his destination, Malibagh.

"For the first time in one week I got a long-distance passenger with Tk 80 today. Passengers are offering less citing traffic-free roads. And most of the trips are short," he said.

When the rickshaw-puller, carrying this correspondent as his passenger, crossed Elephant Road, he pointed to a small group of young people who were smoking.

"Look at them. They have come out of their homes for no reason while people like me had to come out to feed family. These people must stay home," said the rickshaw-puller who looks well aware about the pandemic situation.

Kalam faced barriers at numerous points in the city from the police who are encouraging people to stay at home instead of roaming around, unless there is any emergency.

"They (police) are doing a very good job. It's their duty. We all need to help each other. I’ll go back home once I get enough money to survive for the day," he said.

The general holiday announced by the government to slow the transmission of COVID-19 has been extended until 11 April.

Kalam is little bothered about the extension and said, "It is important to save people of our country. I pray for the people of the whole world."

After reaching Malibagh rail gate area, Kalam smiled broadly and confidently said, "This coronavirus won’t be able to harm us. We’re so blessed."

From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including those with hot and humid weather, the World Health Organisation said.

Regardless of climate, it is a must to adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.

"The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by touching your eyes, mouth, and nose," WHO said.

Bangladesh on Wednesday confirmed another death due to coronavirus infection raising the total death to six.

Meanwhile, five more people tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of cases in the country to 61, the government announced Friday.