Farmers in Kalbila village use a wooden rope puller to remove accumulated dirt and mud from beneath the beel, preparing the land for Boro rice seedling planting in Barishal’s Wazirpur upazila yesterday. The Bangla month of Agrahayan (mid-November to mid-December) is considered optimal for achieving higher yields. Photo: Titu Das

Thick smoke billows from a factory at Dewanbari Mill Gate in Gazipur’s Tongi, polluting the surrounding air and environment. Factories using coal or wood as primary energy sources release harmful particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which can cause respiratory diseases, damage crops, and contribute to long-term air quality deterioration. The photo was taken recently. Photo: Prabir Das

Three completely transfixed children play a game of marbles in the Chandmari area of Barishal, sharing in the joy of this popular and enduring pastime. The photo was taken yesterday. Photo: Titu Das