Dhaka, April 30 -- Fishermen along the banks of the Meghna River in Chandpur are making final preparations to resume fishing as the two-month government ban on catching hilsa and other species ends at midnight on Thursday.

More than 50,000 fishermen across the district are gearing up to return to the waters after the hiatus, which was imposed to protect juvenile Hilsa, known as Jatka.

Fishing villages have hummed with activity as crews mend nets, repair boats, and stock supplies for their first trips back.

Visits to areas such as Puran Bazar Ranagoal, Dokanghar, Baharia, Harina Ghat, and Ananda Bazar on Thursday revealed a flurry of preparation.

While many expressed relief at the ban's end, they also highlighted the financial strain o...