Young cyclist Md Mehedi Hasan has completed a bicycle tour of all 64 districts of Bangladesh in just two months and 27 days, promoting cycling, tree planting, jute cultivation and healthy living along the way.
Mehedi returned to his home district of Kushtia on Friday afternoon after completing the nationwide journey, dubbed ‘Mission-64’. Relatives, well-wishers and local cycling enthusiasts welcomed him on his return.
The son of Sultan Mahmud of Lahini Karigar Para in Kushtia town, Mehedi began his journey from Kushtia on his favourite China Phoenix bicycle.
Carrying the message, ‘Ride a bicycle to stay healthy, cultivate jute for prosperity, plant trees for cool shade and build a beautiful life’, he travelled through all 64 districts across the country’s eight divisions.
Mehedi said the journey was aimed at experiencing Bangladesh’s natural beauty and diversity first-hand while encouraging young people to use bicycles as an environmentally friendly mode of transport.
He also sought to spread awareness about environmental protection, tree planting, the promotion of locally grown jute and healthy living.
Scorching heat, rain, difficult roads and mechanical problems with his bicycle failed to halt his journey.
During the tour, Mehedi visited educational institutions, crowded public areas and other important places in different districts, interacting with residents, young people and students.
He campaigned on the importance of planting trees to protect the environment, reviving the country’s jute heritage and cycling regularly to maintain physical fitness.
He also distributed environmental awareness leaflets and planted saplings at different places during the journey.
Mehedi’s initiative drew support from residents, young people and members of cycling communities across the country. He was welcomed with flowers and applause in many places, while his 64-district journey also received praise on social media.
“Our small positive habits can change society as a whole,” Mehedi said.
“If we use bicycles, plant trees and restore the prosperity of our local jute industry, we can leave a beautiful, green and healthy environment for future generations.”
He said the journey had also given him an opportunity to experience Bangladesh’s natural landscape, people’s way of life and the country’s diversity at close quarters.
“One of my main goals was to encourage young people to use bicycles as an environmentally friendly means of transport,” he added.
Young cyclist Ali Zubayer praised the initiative, saying its significance went beyond travelling across the country by bicycle.
“The most important part is the message he has spread about protecting the environment and leading a healthy life. Positive initiatives by young people like him will inspire others,” he said.
Kazi Mojadded, a member of Kushtia Cyclists, said Mehedi’s journey showed that difficult goals could be achieved through determination.
“At a time when young people are becoming involved in various negative activities, such an exceptional and socially responsible initiative by a young man like Mehedi is undoubtedly worth following,” he said.
Mehedi now has a bigger ambition. Given the opportunity, he hopes to cross Bangladesh’s borders on his bicycle and embark on a world tour.
He believes no goal is impossible with determination, confidence and hard work.
