News Flash
DHAKA, May 31, 2025 (BSS) - The Nepal embassy in Dhaka has the remarkable contributions of Bangladeshi mountaineers and adventure seekers to deepening people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring nations, as it marked the 72nd International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day.
The event, held on Friday evening, titled 'Stories from the Summit: Mountains through the Bangladesh Eyes', honoured the enduring connection between Bangladesh and the Himalayan mountains through the experiences of climbers, trekkers, and nature photographers who have journeyed across Nepal's rugged terrain.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan graced the event as chief guest and praised Bangladeshi climbers for their courage in conquering the world's highest peaks.
She called for collective action to safeguard the mountain and river ecosystems in the face of climate change, noting their critical role in sustaining biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions across South Asia.
Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari highlighted the magnetic pull of Sagarmatha, the Nepali name for Mount Everest, among the Bangladeshi people and hailed their adventurous spirit.
He emphasised the need to prioritise mountain-related concerns in global climate negotiations, warning of the growing vulnerability of mountain ecosystems.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of Ikramul Hasan Shakil for his extraordinary feat of scaling Mt. Everest on May 19, 2025, following a 1300-km "sea to summit" journey on foot from Cox's Bazar to the top of the world.
Adviser Rizwana Hasan and Ambassador Bhandari jointly handed him a crest in recognition of his achievement.
The programme also honoured Bangladesh's first all-women expedition team - Nishat Mazumder, Yasmin Lisa, Arpita Debnath, Mousumi Aktar, and Tahura Sultana Rekha - who successfully climbed three peaks in Nepal's Langtang region in December 2024.
An interactive discussion, moderated by nature writer and enthusiast Enam Ul-Haque, featured Bangladeshi Everest summiteers MA Mohit, Nishat Mazumder, Mohad Babar Ali, and Ikramul Hasan Shakil, who shared personal stories of endurance, environmental challenges, and their emotional connections to the Himalayas.
The evening served not only as a celebration of mountaineering but also as a platform to advocate for stronger cross-border collaboration in climate and ecological preservation, said the Nepal embassy in a press release.
