Titas under onslaught... A syndicate of illegal soil traders has constructed a road-like embankment, obstructing the natural flow of the Titas river in Brahmanbaria’s Akhaura upazila. They have also carved out roads through farmlands and the river to facilitate the transportation of illegally extracted soil from the riverbed. Story on page 5. PHOTO: MASUK HRIDOY

As Eid approaches, people are hurrying to complete the shopping for their families and friends. The photo was taken near the capital’s Gausia Market yesterday where the entire street is full of shoppers and hawkers. Photo: Palash Khan

Kamalapur Railway Station is teeming with people leaving Dhaka for their village homes yesterday. A lot of people leave early to avoid the Eid rush. This Eid holidays effectively start on March 26 for many. Photo: Rashed Shumon

Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury with award recipients at the Abul Mansur Ahmad Book Review Competition 2025 award ceremony. Prior to the event, a discussion was held marking the 46th death anniversary of the renowned South Asian writer, journalist, and politician Abul Mansur Ahmad at The Daily Star Centre yesterday. Photo: Rashed Shumon