The Eerily Empty Streets Of Dhaka

Dhaka is known for being a vibrant and energetic city, filled with the hustle and bustle of neverending crowds. Throngs of people use the roads and streets of Dhaka on their daily commute to their workplaces or businesses. While some of the streets might not be very hospitable, they have grown to become dear to the people of Dhaka. Numerous businesses have popped up on these very streets, catering to every need of the people commuting there. But with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, the once crowded streets of Dhaka have become a mere shadow of what they were. Today, we will be taking a good hard look at the current state of these very streets that serve as a lifeline for the hardworking people of Dhaka.

A Life Without Traffic

Throughout the world, Dhaka is famous for its horrendous traffic. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles flock the streets of Dhaka during rush hours every weekday; morning and evening. All of us have experienced being stuck on the packed roads of Dhaka. This makes the currently empty streets of Dhaka feel like a dream. There is no traffic. But, alas, most of us have been confined to our homes in the midst of the lockdown, unable to enjoy commuting on these empty, traffic-free streets.

The fact that we are home is the very reason these streets are so empty. Who would’ve thought that we would miss commuting to work every morning with sleep in our eyes, battling through the morning rush hour? And for those who have been deemed essential workers, their commute through the empty streets of Dhaka serves as a reminder of the current situation for them. When things are on the up, the people of Dhaka will learn to embrace the traffic, maybe even appreciate what it signifies – normality.

No Heart, No Soul

What makes the streets of Dhaka tick is its people. The crowds in the bazaars, roadside tea stalls, shopping malls, and the sidewalks are part and parcel of life in Dhaka. Although each and every person on the street has their own reason for being there, they are part of something greater. In unison, they are part of an orchestra, creating a cacophony of noises that are familiar to the commuters of Dhaka. Each and every person, from the street vendors to weary travelers, contributes to this phenomenon. We, the people, are the very heart and soul of the streets of Dhaka.

Now, it feels like a distant memory. The lockdown has made the streets of Dhaka barren and empty. The only place where you can see crowds are the supermarkets where people are rushing to stock up on essentials. The streets feel hollow, with only a few people wearing masks to protect themselves. Although it’s borne out of necessity, these masks add to the feeling of hollowness. Dhaka feels devoid of its soul. Fear not, things will get better. They will be back to normal once again. And when that happens, you will revel in being part of the organized chaos in the streets of Dhaka.

Nature Is Healing

During the lockdown, there have been many reports across the world where wild animals have been seen in city streets. It’s as if nature is creeping into the urban landscape. Now, you won’t be seeing a tiger roaming around your neighborhood anytime soon. But, changes are happening in Dhaka as well. Good changes. Nature is healing itself. The streets of Dhaka were packed with vehicles emitting pollutants. But the lockdown has put a halt to all that.

Dhaka is able to breathe now. Combined with the seasonal showers, the air in Dhaka has never been cleaner. The Air Quality Index is seeing new lows, unnatural for this time of the year. There is also less litter on the streets. The city, devoid of vehicles and construction work, also feels quieter, more peaceful. There is less pollution. The trees seem greener and the streets seem cleaner. Dhaka is healing itself.

The empty streets of Dhaka have resulted in many people contemplating the definition of normality. What seemed so abysmal to us before, is now the very thing that we miss – the noise and chaos of a vibrant Dhaka. Do not worry, as things will be back to normal one day. For now, all we can do is make the best of staying at home by spending time with our dear and loved ones. We hope that you and your family are doing well. For more articles like this, head over to the Bproperty Blog and keep up to date with the latest tips and trends. Do let us know what you thought of today’s article in the comments section.