The Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka recently celebrated the 72nd International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day, acknowledging the significant contributions of Bangladeshi mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts in fostering stronger people-to-people connections between the two neighboring nations.
The event, held on Friday evening and titled “Stories from the Summit: Mountains through the Bangladesh Eyes,” paid tribute to the enduring bond between Bangladesh and the Himalayan mountains. It showcased the experiences of Bangladeshi climbers, trekkers, and nature photographers who have traversed Nepal’s challenging terrain.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. She commended Bangladeshi climbers for their courage in conquering the world’s highest peaks and called for collective action to protect mountain and river ecosystems from the impacts of climate change, highlighting their vital role in sustaining biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions across South Asia.
Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari spoke about the magnetic allure of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest’s Nepali name) among Bangladeshis and praised their adventurous spirit. He emphasized the necessity of prioritizing mountain-related concerns in global climate negotiations, underscoring the increasing vulnerability of mountain ecosystems.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of Ikramul Hasan Shakil for his extraordinary achievement of scaling Mt. Everest on May 19, 2025. This feat was the culmination of a remarkable 1300-km “sea to summit” journey undertaken on foot from Cox’s Bazar to the world’s highest peak. Adviser Rizwana Hasan and Ambassador Bhandari jointly presented him with a crest in recognition of his accomplishment.
The program also honored 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 M. A. Mohit, Nishat Mazumder, Mohad Babar Ali, and Ikramul Hasan Shakil. They shared their personal narratives of endurance, the environmental challenges they faced, and their profound emotional connections to the Himalayas.
According to a press release from the Nepal Embassy, the evening served not only as a celebration of mountaineering achievements but also as a crucial platform to advocate for enhanced cross-border collaboration in climate and ecological preservation efforts.
