PORCUPINE WITH FINS … A spot-fin porcupinefish, known as Shojaru maach in Bangla, spotted in the Bay of Bengal in Saint Martin’s Island. It’s found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It’s usually mistaken as the nearly-identical spotted puffer fish as both species swallow water to inflate themselves in the face of danger. However, porcupine fish have scales that are modified into spines, which they use, along with toxins secreted from its body, to ward off predators. As a matter of fact, the toxins make them poisonous for humans as well. Though spot-fin porcupinefish populations are not considered threatened, they are regular victims of fishing for the pet trade, while their bodies, after killed, are also used to as souvenirs in many parts of the world.
PHOTO: SHARIF SARWAR
RMG workers of JK Fashion block Begum Rokeya Sarani in Shewrapara area of Mirpur yesterday morning, protesting the factory’s closure and demanding two months’ unpaid wages. The blockade resulted in severe traffic congestion in nearby areas, affecting offices and schoolgoers. Additional police were deployed at the spot to bring the situation under control. The workers left the area following police assurance to look into the issue. Photo: Prabir Das
A road on the east side of Ad-Din Hospital in Moghbazar is undergoing drainage system maintenance for a while. However, there seems to be no safety measures in place, and may lead to an accident. The photo was taken yesterday. Photo: Anisur Rahman
