Two youths have embarked on a unique 1,000-kilometre journey on foot from Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar to Tetulia in Panchagarh to raise awareness about thalassemia prevention in Bangladesh.
The symbolic campaign began at 8am on Friday with a slogan “Thalassemia can be prevented – get a blood test before marriage”.
The initiative has been organised by “Zoom Width” with the overall support from the CBB Foundation.
Hasan Murad from Boalkhali in Chattogram and Shawon Ahmed from Sonaimuri in Noakhali have taken the extraordinary initiative to walk from Teknaf to Tetulia – the southernmost to the northernmost point of Bangladesh.
Murad, who has completed BBA in Accounting from BGC Trust University Bangladesh in Chattogram, is the son of Sultan Ahmed. His companion Shawon, son of Faruk Hossain, has completed his higher secondary education from Choumuhani Government College in Noakhali.
“This journey is our dreams,” the two youths said, adding: “We want every couple to get a blood test before marriage so that future generations can be free from thalassemia.”
They aim to complete their 1,000-kilometre journey in 22-25 days, walking an average of 45km every day.
Tahara Sultana Rekha, who is supporting the campaign, said, “This initiative by the two youths is truly inspiring. If every citizen becomes aware like them, it will be possible to build a thalassemia-free Bangladesh.”
At the starting point in Shah Porir Dwip, local residents welcomed the two campaigners with flowers and banners.
During their journey, they have planned to distribute leaflets at schools, colleges, and communities to raise awareness about thalassemia.
According to official data, an estimated 60,000–70,000 people in Bangladesh live with thalassemia, and around 2,500 children are born with thalassemia major each year.
Thalassemia is a hereditary and life-threatening disease caused by a lack of hemoglobin in the blood. Those affected require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives.
