Dhaka, Oct. 28 -- Fishers along the Meghna in Chandpur are preparing to return to the river after the 22-day government ban on fishing during the hilsa breeding season.

Some have woven nets, others have mended their boats.

They are happy to be back on the water after the long break, but worry about their household costs.

During the ban, their source of income was suspended, though spending on food, children's education and healthcare was not. Many were forced to borrow.

All fishing was banned on a 70-km stretch of the Meghna in Chandpur from Oct 8 to 29, and 42,000 fishers in the area received 25kg of rice each.

Fishers in Chandpur Sadar and Haimchar said the rice eased their hunger, but other expenses had left them in debt.

They de...