By Alistair Lawson BBC correspondent in Biani Bazar

Many rivers in Bangladesh are continuing to rise as the government and aid agencies warn of serious flooding over the next few days.

In Narayanganj not a drop to drink

Rain water, coupled with the onrush of water from across the Indian border, have inundated many areas, while high tides from the Bay of Bengal threaten to make the situation even worse.

Like many other rivers in Bangladesh the Kushiara river in Biani Bazar, a north-eastern district, threatens to break its banks.

It is six inches above its danger level.

More water regularly flows in from the hills of the Indian state of Assam.

There are many other areas of Bangladesh also threatened by flooding.

The water levels of the Jamuna and Ganges rivers are in places reported to be dangerously high.

Disease warning

At least 53 people have died since flooding began two weeks ago.

Flood waters are still rising in many areas

The Bangladesh Flood Information Centre says that it is impossible to tell whether the situation will turn out to be as serious as the last major floods of 1998.

Aid agencies warn that if there is no let-up of the heavy rainfall of recent days, thousands of people can expect to be marooned, or displaced.

Already, plans have been made to set up flood centres in Biani Bazar.

Officials say the biggest danger is posed by water-borne diseases.