More than 400 people took part in a 7.5-kilometre solidarity run at Cox’s Bazar sea beach on Saturday, carrying messages of peace, social harmony and dignified coexistence.
Students, young professionals, members of youth networks and people from different age groups joined the event, titled ‘Run for Peace’, which began at Laboni Beach Point at 6:00am.
Following the designated route, participants ran from Laboni Beach Point through Holiday Mor, Gungachhtala and the New Bridge before returning to the starting point. The event brought together both first-time recreational runners and experienced participants.
Embolden Bangladesh organised the run, with support from ActionAid Bangladesh, the Society for Health Extension and Development (SHED) and the Cox’s Bazar district administration.
Organisers said the initiative aimed to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and trust among people from different backgrounds, reduce social divisions and promote peace and dignified coexistence through youth-led engagement.
A prize-giving ceremony was held at Laboni Beach Point at 7:30am. The top 10 runners in both the men’s and women’s categories received cash prizes and certificates.
In the women’s category, Bipasha Anwar finished first, followed by Nusrat Jahan in second place and Violy Tugade Hossain in third.
In the men’s category, Ashraful Alam secured first place, while Alex Parvez Palash and Zakir Hossain finished second and third, respectively.
Joint Secretary of the government Mohammad Shamsu-Douza attended the programme as chief guest. Praising the initiative, he called for separate marathon or running events for women and children and urged people to work together to promote peace, harmony and dignified coexistence.
ActionAid Bangladesh Head of Humanitarian Program Md Abdul Alim said the spirit of Run for Peace could inspire positive change across society.
Mohammad Nazmul Ahsan, team lead of ActionAid Bangladesh’s Youth, Resilience and Climate Justice team, stressed the importance of empowering young people to promote peace and social cohesion.
Also present were ActionAid Bangladesh Head of Finance and Administration Md Rafiqul Islam FCA, SHED Deputy Director Abdul Mannan, and Embolden Bangladesh founder and president Inzamamul Haque, among others.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
