After a two-month government ban, fishermen from Ramgati and Komolnagar upazilas in Lakshmipur are preparing to return to the Meghna River from midnight on Thursday. The restriction, which prohibited all fishing, transport, and marketing of fish from March 1 to April 30, will officially end at 12:00 a.m. Fishermen were seen repairing nets, cleaning boats, and making final preparations to resume work.

According to the fisheries department, the ban covered about 100 kilometers of the river area from Ramgati to Shatnol in Chandpur. Around 21,500 registered fishermen in Ramgati and 11,500 in Komolnagar were affected by the restriction. Officials said the measure aimed to protect juvenile hilsa and increase fish production. Some fishermen reported receiving government assistance during the ban, while others said they did not and faced hardship.

Local fisheries officers confirmed that the restriction was effectively enforced and that fishermen would be allowed to resume fishing activities from midnight as the conservation period concludes.