Traders have filled up a part of the Bhairab river with sand at Ghat-5 in Khulna city to make room for customers to sit and enjoy their afternoon snacks. Dumping of waste in the river also goes on unabated, causing pollution. The photo was taken recently. Photo: Habibur Rahman

Family members embrace Zahangir Alom, one of 14 Bangladeshi migrants pardoned by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, upon his return home. This first group, a part of 57 pardoned workers, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka last night, following diplomatic efforts by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. They were jailed for demonstrating in the Gulf country in support of the recent student-led uprising in Bangladesh. Photo: Amran Hossain