In pictures: Bangladesh oil spill clean-up

An oil spill from a crashed tanker in Bangladesh's Sundarbans waterways is threatening a rare dolphin sanctuary and part of the world's largest mangrove forest.

Despite the threat to the environment and people's livelihoods, some local residents are also finding ways to make money from the clean-up efforts.

Thousands of litres of oil leaked into Sundarbans' waterways following a collision involving a tanker. Much of the surrounding environment is now toxic.

The tanker, believed to be carrying 350,000 litres (75,000 gallons) of oil, collided with another vessel on 9 December. It has now been brought to shore.

The oil spill covered nearly 40 miles (60km) of waterways. At low tide, oil marks are still clearly visible on the mangrove trees inside the Sundarban Forest.

The spill has affected the people who have homes by the Sela River and make a living from the waterways.

Many people continue to use water from the river for their daily household needs, despite the risks to their health.

The Forest Department has engaged local people to help with clean-up efforts.

Villagers have been scooping oil from the rivers using pots and pans.

The people who usually fish in the Sela River are now busy collecting the oil.

It has become a source of income for many. Some of the oil is put into drums and sold to a state-owned oil company after it is collected.

Dead plants collected from the forest are also being boiled in an effort to extract some oil for sale.

It can be a lucrative business. For some, collection of oil has become more profitable than fishing.

Cargo vessels are forced to wait on Pashur River while the clean-up is under way.

The Sundarbans area contains part of the world's largest mangrove forest. But locals say mangroves by the river bank are going to die, as oil from the spillage has covered their roots.