Nurul Islam Soman : A closing ceremony was held in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, to mark the completion of environmental activist Masfikul Hasan Tony’s 783-kilometre solo walk from Satkhira to Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf, aimed at demanding climate justice, renewable energy and safe drinking water.

The ceremony was held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday (October 6) on the premises of Sabrang Government Primary School in Teknaf. The event marked the completion of Tony’s 22-day solo journey on foot from Satkhira to Shah Porir Dwip Jetty.

The programme was chaired by H.M. Faridul Alam Shaheen, Joint Convener of Dharitri Rokkha-e Amra (DHARA), Cox’s Bazar District Branch, and General Secretary of the District Press Club. Shamshul Alam Shrabon of DHARA, Cox’s Bazar District, moderated the event.

Advocate Hasan Siddiqui, president of the Teknaf Upazila BNP, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Among the special guests were Nurul Alam, president of Sabrang Union BNP; Mohammad Hasan, convener of DHARA, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila; A.K.M. Belal Uddin, convener of DHARA, Chakaria; and Mohammad Kaisar Hamid, convener of DHARA, Maheshkhali.

Also present were District Press Club Vice-President Jasim Uddin, Joint Secretary Md. Amin Ullah Amin, DHARA district members Lecturer Riaz Mahmud, Nurul Islam Suman, Helal Uddin, Md. Rubayet and Mizanur Rahman, along with local political leaders, professionals and students.

Meanwhile, Helal Uddin Nishad was also honoured at the programme for securing first place in a month-long tree plantation campaign organised by Bhejal Nai Dot Com under the slogan, “Plant Trees, Earn Lakhs.” He planted 691 medicinal, fruit-bearing and forest tree saplings and later received an award from Tasrif Khan, adviser to Bhejal Nai Dot Com. DHARA’s Cox’s Bazar District Branch felicitated him on the occasion.

It may be mentioned that Tony began his solo journey on September 14 from the mouth of four rivers along the coastal area of Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira, Khulna. On the 22nd day of his journey, he reached Shah Porir Dwip Jetty in Teknaf after covering a total distance of 783 kilometres on foot.

The journey was organised by Dharitri Rokkha-e Amra (DHARA), Bengal Peace Foundation, and 35 other civic and social organisations. This was environmental activist Masfikul Hasan Tony’s ninth solo walking campaign. He had previously completed eight other short and long-distance journeys.

Masfikul Hasan Tony said his journey was aimed at raising awareness about the harmful impacts of climate change, protecting the environment, promoting renewable energy and ensuring access to safe drinking water for all. He said one of the key objectives of the initiative was to raise public awareness about environmental and climate issues.