A woman returns home with her young grandson on a raft in the waterlogged Bilpatiala village in Khulna’s Dumuria upazila. Roads, houses, fish enclosures, and farmland in Bilpatiala and the surrounding areas have been submerged for nearly five months as the heavily silted Shoilmari river cannot drain the water, causing thousands to suffer. The photo was taken on Wednesday. Photo: Habibur Rahman

A man cycles to work on a crisp winter morning, as golden rays break through the mist, illuminating the dewdrops on the grass. The trees shimmer in the soft glow, and the peaceful chirping of birds fills the air, creating a serene start to the day. The photo was taken in Bill Pabla area in Khulna city recently. Photo: Habibur Rahman

With a paddy sheaf tied to its bumper, a pickup marked “Rab-4” being used yesterday to campaign for BNP nominee Fazle Huda Babul in Naogaon’s Mahadevpur upazila. Campaigners said they had bought the vehicle at an auction but could not explain why they did not remove the law enforcement agency’s markings or make the required modifications. Contacted, Babul said campaigners may use vehicles “as they wish” but claimed he was unaware that this particular car was in use. Rab-5 Company Commander in Joypurhat, Nazmul Hoque, told The Daily Star that using any vehicle that once belonged to the agency -- even if bought at an auction -- is illegal when official markings are still visible. PHOTO: AZAHAR UDDIN