Traders pile up sand illegally extracted from the Dhaleshwari on its bank in Savar yesterday, threatening the river and the area’s biodiversity. Photo: Palash Khan

Farmers transplant Aman rice seedlings at Biukara village of Noapara, Jashore, yesterday as preparations for the season gather pace. Adequate rainfall has naturally supplied enough water to the fields, raising hopes for a good harvest. PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN