Cox's Bazar, Nov 03 (V7N) — The 22-day government-imposed fishing ban on seas and rivers to protect mother hilsa ended today, allowing fishermen to resume fishing from midnight. In Cox’s Bazar, preparations are underway as fishermen ready their boats and gear, eager to return to the sea.

At the Cox's Bazar Fishery Ghat Fishery Landing Center, some fishermen were seen repairing boats and nets, while others transported net sacks from warehouses to the beach. Boats anchored along the beach and dock were cleaned in anticipation of the upcoming journey.

The ban, implemented from October 12 to November 3, aimed to conserve hilsa by restricting all fishing, storing, and transporting of fish. Violating this directive was deemed a punishable offense.

Maheshkhali fisherman Chayed Alam expressed his hopes for a good catch, saying, "We have made all kinds of preparations for fishing from tomorrow. Hopefully, this time, we will catch more hilsa than expected."

Another fisherman, Rahmat Ullah, shared, “We live by catching fish and obey the ban. The government provides rice for us during this time, but additional support would be helpful. From Sunday midnight, we will head for the deep sea with all necessary supplies, including nets, ice, and freshly painted trawlers.”

According to the fishermen and trawler owners, they have completed repairs, crafted new nets, and sewn old ones, ensuring everything is ready for sea trips lasting 8 to 10 days. Cox's Bazar district has approximately 5,500 small and medium-sized trawlers and over 63,000 registered fishermen, all now eager to resume their livelihood following the lifting of the fishing restrictions.

END/SHM/AJ