TOPSOIL TRADE Destroys FARMLAND :In a flagrant violation of environmental laws, topsoil is being removed by an excavator from a farmland in Morar Bazaar area of Sylhet’s Balaganj upazila. Many vested groups have long been illegally removing and selling topsoil from farmlands across the district, while the authorities concerned seem to remain oblivious. Removing topsoil not only reduces the soil’s fertility, but also disrupts the balance of the environment of the land. The photo was taken last week. PHOTO: SHEIKH NASIR

TOPSOIL TRADE Destroys FARMLAND :In a flagrant violation of environmental laws, topsoil is being removed by an excavator from a farmland in Morar Bazaar area of Sylhet’s Balaganj upazila. Many vested groups have long been illegally removing and selling topsoil from farmlands across the district, while the authorities concerned seem to remain oblivious. Removing topsoil not only reduces the soil’s fertility, but also disrupts the balance of the environment of the land. The photo was taken last week. PHOTO: SHEIKH NASIR

Excitement fills the air as kids and parents watch the Sisimpur characters perform on a green stage at Ekushey Boi Mela. The organisers hold events to entertain children during Children’s Hour on weekend mornings. PHOTO: Palash Khan

Shyam Biswas feeding his pet otters in the Chitra river in Narail. Shyam said five families in the district’s Malopara make a living by making pet otters catch fish for them. The photo was taken last week. Photo: Habibur Rahman