Humayun Ahmed fans hold cancer awareness run at Shaheed Minar
Humayun Ahmed's fan organisation 'Himu Paribahan' organised its eighth annual awareness run on Friday to mark World Cancer Day.
Titled 'Run for Cancer Awareness 2026', the event drew more than 100 participants, including cancer survivors, educators, students, and people from various professions.
The run began at 8:30am from the Central Shaheed Minar. Participants followed a route via Doel Chattar, TSC, the Vice-Chancellor's residence area, and Swadhinata Sangram Chattar, before returning to the starting point.
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Among those present were Ahsan Habib, cartoonist, editor of 'Unmad', and younger brother of the late author Humayun Ahmed; Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, Head of Preventive Oncology at Gonoshasthaya Community-based Cancer Hospital; Dr Tania Ahmed of the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital; and Dr Mumit Al Rashid, Chairman of the Persian Language and Literature Department at the University of Dhaka.
The run also featured Elia Binte Elahi, a global traveller; Arafat Hossain, an Ironman World Championship finisher; and mountaineer Ikramul Islam Shakil, who trekked from sea level to the peak of Mount Everest.
Addressing the gathering, Ahsan Habib said, 'There is no substitute for awareness. We must adopt healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Running is one of the most effective forms of exercise for maintaining a healthy body.'
Other speakers called for similar initiatives to be expanded nationwide, urging a collective movement towards healthy living at both individual and community levels.
Murad, General Secretary of Himu Paribahan, said, 'For eight years, we have consistently organised this run to spread a message of hope and caution. The proceeds from this event will go towards cancer screening programmes.' He added that funds from previous editions were donated to the Dhaka Medical College unit through the Department of Social Services.
The event was held in collaboration with Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Limited.
