Bawalis, also known as the woodcutters of the Sundarbans, collecting nipa palm leaves, or “gol pata”, from the banks of the Shela River in East Sundarbans recently. After getting a pass from the forest department, they entered the mangrove forest on January 28 to collect the leaves. Every year, the department grants them permission to pick the leaves for two months, after which it is forbidden again. The Bawalis then sell the leaves for Tk 220-250 per bundle (80 leaves).
PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN
Cables for internet service and satellite TV tangled up in front of a building in the capital’s Motijheel area, a common sight across the city. Such haphazardly placed cables are not only an eyesore, they become obstacles for emergency workers in the event of a fire at a nearby building. The photo was taken recently. PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON
Low water levels in the Turag lay bare the extent of damage done by incoming ships and boats on the embankment in the capital’s Gabtoli. In the absence of barriers, vessels often crash against the banks when the river is full, causing erosion and raising the possibility of the adjacent walkway to cave in. The photo was taken yesterday.
PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN
