Feature



Muazzem Hossain Shakil

The eagerly anticipated 100-kilometer long walkathon from Teknaf beach point to Cox's Bazar Laboni point along the world's longest unbroken sea beach took place from March 23 to 26. During the first three days (March 23 to 25) around 500 participants including 30 women from various schools, colleges and universities from 58 districts assembled here to conquer the longest sea beach of the world and conduct activities together to enhance their knowledge, abilities and sports skills. The fourth day (March 26) of the event was a fun 10 kilometer walk including cricket, beach volleyball, kabaddi and a cultural show enjoyed by thousands of tourists and visitors.

The title of the 100-kilometer long walkathon was 'Challenge of the longest beach'. Based on the key idea, mainly to raise awareness about the necessity of physical exercise amongst the youth while at the same time highlighting the attractions of Cox's Bazar - to the world.

Advisor for Youth and Sports Tapan Chowdhury inaugurated the walkathon titled 'Grameen phone Activate Bangladesh - Longest Beach Challenge 2007' at the border town of Teknaf on the morning of March 23. Among others, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Cox's Bazar Mohammed Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Cox's Bazar Banaj Komar Majumdar, Chairman of Activate Bangladesh Maj Gen (Retd) Mohammed Anwar Hossain Bir Protik, Chief Coordinator of Challenge of the Longest Beach Dr. Anupam Hossain, Vice Chairman of Challenge of the Longest Beach Tim Steel, Head of the marketing of Grameen Phone Robabadawla Matin, Managing Director of MAA (Mattra, Asiatic & Ardent) Consortium Sanaul Arefeen, Chairman of MAA Consortium Aly Zaker, Managing Director of Channel I Faridur Reza Shagor and other high officials were present.

The participants had their second camp at Inani on March 24, the second day of the programme. However, the challenge looked really tough as a number of walkers fell ill - - mostly men - - due to the scorching heat. Although all the 30 female participants were standing tall, most of the male performers failed to pass the test of the second leg of 45-kilometer from Shamlapur Sub-camp. Having rested at camps in Shamlapur and Inani, the participants began the third and final leg of the walk on March 25.

The 3-day long walkathon concluded at Laboni point on the afternoon of March 25, after overnight stopover at Jahazpur, Shyamlapur, Patoyartek and Inani sub camps. The pack, carrying the national flag, was welcomed by the celebrities amidst much fun and excitement.

The title sponsors of the event was Grameen Phone and co-sponsors were HRC, Square, Teem (pepsi), Labaid, Alma Crystal Drinking Water and Media partner were Channel I, Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Radio Today.

Channel I broadcast the programme live three times every day from Cox's Bazar sea beach. The international popular Television Channel - CNN and BBC also broadcast the programme.

Some 250 law enforcers from Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Ansar was depoyed during the event to ensure security.

[Muazzem Hossain Shakil: Cox's Bazar Correspondent of The Daily Star.]