More than 400 people, including students, young professionals and members of youth networks, took part in the Run4Peace solidarity run at Cox’s Bazar beach on Saturday. The 7.5-kilometre run aimed to promote social cohesion, peace and peaceful coexistence with dignity, said a press release.
The run was organised by Embolden Bangladesh in association with ActionAid Bangladesh, the Society for Health Extension and Development (SHED) and the Cox’s Bazar District Administration. Participants started at 6:00am from Laboni Beach Point, running through Holiday Mor, Gungachh Tala and Notun Bridge before returning.
An award ceremony was held at 7:30am. In the female category, Bipasha Anwar, Nusrat Jahan and Violi Tugade Hossain secured first, second and third places respectively. In the male category, Ashraful Alam, Alex Parvez Palash and Zakir Hossen finished first, second and third respectively. The top three finishers received cash prizes and certificates, while the top 10 runners in each category were also recognised.
Joint Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh Mohammad Shamsud-Douza attended as the chief guest. He encouraged the organisers to arrange dedicated running events for women and children.
ActionAid Bangladesh Head of Humanitarian Programme Md Abdul Alim expressed hope that the spirit of Run4Peace would inspire positive change across society. ActionAid Bangladesh Lead of the Youth, Resilience and Climate Justice team Md Nazmul Ahsan emphasised the importance of empowering young people to strengthen peace and social cohesion.
