The man who put his life in danger to save others

Except for emergencies, most people in the country are staying in isolation or under quarantine to avoid contracting the deadly novel coronavirus.

People are even afraid to meet their loved ones – as part of precautions to keep themselves safe from the pandemic.

In such a worrying time, very few people have been bold in keeping the society virus-free and helping others who need assistance.

Sheikh Khairul Islam Isheen, a 30-year-old man, is one of those brave hearts who contracted Covid-19 while volunteering in Mymensingh to raise awareness among the people during this outbreak.

Isheen has been on medication in the capital's Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital since April 27.

Before contracting the virus, the young man, hailing from Trishal upazila of Mymensingh, set an example for volunteer work. He and some of his friends stood by helpless people to protect them from the virus.

In a conversation with The Business Standard, Isheen talked about his work and how he caught the virus. 

Isheen is a cultural activist and a theatre director who has been performing in the theatre for the last eight years in Dhaka. He went back to his home district when the shutdown began on March 26.

On March 28, he formed a volunteer team of 10 members named "Team of Youths" that worked to make people aware of the virus.

From then on, the team, including him, sprayed disinfectant on the city's roads; in multi-storey buildings, offices, mosques, and ambulances; plus on public transportation. Isheen also distributed personal protective equipment among homeless people.

"As a cultural activist, awareness-building is our main job. So, when I saw the virus was spreading rapidly, I felt I should do something for my city," he replied when asked what inspired him to do this risky job.

Isheen lives with his father who is a civil servant. When asked if he faced any obstacle from his family, he said: "I had participated in many volunteer jobs in the past and had my father's support."

"He knows that I feel happy helping others," said Isheen.

On April 11, he had a light fever and developed a cough. Five days later, he went to Mymensingh Medical College for a Covid-19 test when his fever and cough had grown severe.

The result came back positive. He stopped volunteering and requested his team members stay at home. He was then sent to the Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital for treatment.

Despite fighting the deadly disease, he is not even slightly rattled. Instead, he is confident about his recovery.

"We will meet again when I recover. I promise I will return to the streets," stated Isheen, firmly.