The 22-day nationwide ban on catching hilsa, imposed to protect the fish during its breeding season, ends at midnight tonight (Saturday, October 25). Around 300,000 fishermen in Bhola district are eagerly preparing to set sail on the Meghna and Tetulia rivers. They are busy repairing boats, mending nets, and purchasing new fishing gear—many by taking loans. The fishermen hope to catch enough hilsa to repay their debts and recover from the financial strain of the fishing ban. Bhola’s District Fisheries Officer, Md. Iqbal Hossain, expressed optimism that this year’s hilsa season will be successful and help fishermen overcome losses. During the restriction period, authorities from the Fisheries Department and Coast Guard conducted drives across seven upazilas, detaining over 200 fishermen and seizing a large number of illegal nets.