Strengthen your family ties: Shabnur

I am in Sydney, Australia. My child, my mother and my siblings are all here. The coronavirus situation isn’t that alarming. Everyone is following the rules. Anyone leaving the house for no important reason is heavily fined.

But back in my dear country Bangladesh, the situation is steadily worsening. I am very concerned and sad. Many people still go out of their homes for no reason and that is very wrong. At the same time, the poor people with little or no income are suffering immensely. The government is taking up various initiatives for them and I hope that these initiatives are expanded further in the days to come.

All of you, please stay at home. Now that you are home, devote time to strengthening family ties. All these days you may have been too busy to give time to the family, but this is the chance to do so. You will have a lot of time to go out in the future, but for the time being coronavirus is keeping us at home.

Many may be feeling suffocated, having to stay at home day after day. But you have no choice. You have to remain at home to protect yourself for coronavirus. If you must go out for any important task, make sure you protect your hands, face, wearing gloves and a mask. Once you return, wash your clothes and have a thorough bath. Remember, one person’s carelessness can harm the entire family.

Read, listen to music, watch movies. Talk to you loved ones in the country or abroad. You can enjoy virtual ‘adda’ as well!

Remember, unlike in the case of other sicknesses, you cannot tend to a coronavirus patient even if you want to. You must adjust your mindset.

There is no point in panicking. Caution is most important.

I will remain at home and pray for everyone. I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone around the world. Coronavirus has taught us all some valuable lessons. We must wash our hands regularly, we must remain clean, we must be humane, we must do away with hatred and anger. We must all strive to build a world of love.

* Shabnur is a Bangladeshi film actress.