'Beautiful Bangladesh Run' breathes life into Hatirjheel
Participants included diplomats, aviation and tourism professionals, runners from both home and abroad, and general enthusiasts
Hatirjheel turned into a carnival of colour and cheer early this morning (25 April) as the 'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025' brought together over 700 participants in a vibrant celebration aimed at promoting the country's tourism potential.
The event, organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), kicked off at 6am from the Police Plaza end of Hatirjheel and ended with a grand celebration at the amphitheatre.
The initiative was supported by the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), with Rhythm Group serving as the title sponsor.
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Top officials and diplomats graced the occasion, including Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Abu Taher Mohammad Jaber, Additional Inspector General of Tourist Police Md Mainul Hasan, and ambassadors from Nepal, the UAE, the Philippines, Brazil and Thailand.
Participants included diplomats, aviation and tourism professionals, runners from both home and abroad, and general enthusiasts.
Two categories of races were held this year — a 7.5 km competitive run and a 2 km fun run.
Rhythm Group Managing Director Sohag Hossain said, "The festive atmosphere around Hatirjheel was truly vibrant. We're delighted to be part of this initiative and remain committed to supporting efforts that promote tourism in Bangladesh."
BTB CEO Abu Taher Mohammad Jaber said, "This was a thoroughly enjoyable event. I believe it will play a significant role in promoting tourism."
ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar expressed gratitude to the participants, saying, "This is ATJFB's first marathon event. We're overwhelmed by the enthusiastic participation of all runners. To further elevate Bangladesh's tourism profile globally, ATJFB announces the upcoming Winter Marathon. We hope to have you all with us there."
ATJFB General Secretary Baten Biplob and Chief Coordinator of the event Shafiullah Suman also spoke at the programme.
The run was supported by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Tourist Police Bangladesh, ATAB, TOAB, Electrolyte Drink Active, Dhaka WASA, Famous Specialized Hospital and Famous Creation.
Additional sponsors included Ethiopian Airlines, Bhaiya Group, Eastern Bank, FitsAir, Bengal Airlift, ShareTrip, Air India, American Tourister, TPC, Titan, Samsonite, Skin Perfume, US-Bangla Airlines, NOVOAIR and Air Astra.
Dr Nasrin Akhter Shimu served as the event influencer, while pacers included Shahriar Morshed Siddiquee, Jannatul Ferdous Mitu, Dr Md Naeem Hossain Khan and KM Yasir Arafat Ami.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony and a raffle draw where five lucky winners received return air tickets to Milan, Johannesburg, Bangkok, the Maldives and Cox's Bazar.
