Bangladesh's Najmun Nahar crosses 184 borders in her global journey
She reached this milestone with her recent trip to the Bahamas, where she was congratulated by first lady Patricia Minnis for her extraordinary achievement
In a landmark achievement for Bangladesh, Najmun Nahar has become the first Bangladeshi to visit 184 countries, earning international recognition and placing herself among a rare group of pioneering Muslim women travellers worldwide.
She reached this milestone with her recent trip to the Bahamas, where she was congratulated by first lady Patricia Minnis for her extraordinary achievement.
Najmun Nahar's latest journey, from June to December 2025, included Samoa in Oceania, Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, Venezuela in South America, and the Bahamas.
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By carrying the Bangladeshi red and green flag across continents, Najmun Nahar has not only set a global travel record but also elevated Bangladesh's presence on the world stage, leaving a legacy of courage, perseverance, and inspiration for generations to come.
Her globe-trotting adventure began in 2000 through India's International Adventure Programme.
A solo traveler, Najmun Nahar has explored most countries by road, overcoming numerous challenges, extreme conditions, and life-threatening situations. She plans to continue her journey to the few remaining countries yet to be visited.
Najmun Nahar's travels have drawn international media attention, featuring in outlets including Venezuela's La Nación, Caribbean WIC News, Timor-Leste's Suara Timor Lorosa'e, and Portugal's Lusa. She has also appeared in numerous global media platforms, highlighting her perseverance and inspiring achievements.
Through her journeys, Najmun Nahar has promoted Bangladesh internationally, raising awareness on global issues such as peace, environmental conservation, and stopping child marriage.
Reflecting on her Venezuela trip, she said, "It was the most challenging and adventurous journey yet, from the Simon Bolivar International border through extensive police checks to visiting 17 cities. The Andes mountains, lush valleys, pristine seas, desert landscapes, and the warmth of local people made Venezuela a unique collage of beauty. Each country I visited, from Samoa to the Bahamas, presented challenges but also unparalleled natural wonders."
Najmun Nahar reached her 100th country milestone in Zambia and Zimbabwe in June 2018, her 150th in São Tomé and Príncipe in October 2021, her 175th in September 2024, and the Bahamas marked her 184th country in December 2025.
She has received the Peace Torch Bearer Award in the United States and more than 50 other awards and honors for her achievements.
Born in Laxmipur district, Najmun Nahar pursued higher education in Sweden and South Korea, earning degrees in human rights and Asia studies. She works as a researcher, motivational speaker, and goodwill ambassador, inspiring children and youth worldwide to dream beyond limitations.
