Defying strong tides and shifting currents, ten swimmers from across Bangladesh successfully took part in an open-water swimming event across the Kutubdia Channel on Saturday (November 8).
The daring 5.5-kilometer swim began at Magnama Ghat in Pekua and ended at the Darbar Jetty on Kutubdia Island. Bangladesh Open Water Swimming and BOAS organized the event to promote water sports and raise awareness of swimming safety.
Among the participants were Fahim Ahmed Khan, Nasir Ahmed, Khandaker Shawkat Osman, Md. Nazmul Haque, S.I.M. Ferdous Alam, Abdullah Al Sabit, Rabbi Rahman, Md. Mojjim Hossain, Mohammad Taiyer, and Md. Al Amin.
Out of ten swimmers, four successfully completed the full distance. Eighteen-year-old Rabbi Rahman reached Kutubdia first, clocking an impressive time of 1 hour and 4 minutes—his personal best and first-ever crossing of the channel. Just behind him, Nazmul Haque, a celebrated swimmer who has previously conquered the English Channel, finished in 1 hour and 6 minutes, while S.I.M. Ferdous Alam from Bogura came third, completing the challenge in 1 hour and 7 minutes.
Despite the channel’s unpredictable currents and intense waves, all participants demonstrated remarkable endurance and determination.
Reflecting on the challenge, swimmer Ferdous Alam said, “The first half was relatively smooth, but the latter part was extremely tough. It was my first time crossing the Kutubdia Channel, though I’ve swum across the Bangla Channel seven times before. These expeditions aim to raise awareness about drowning prevention, inspire interest in swimming, reduce water pollution, and promote river-based tourism.”
Organizers highlighted that the purpose of such events goes beyond competition—it’s about building a culture of swimming and respect for Bangladesh’s rivers and seas. They hope that initiatives like this will encourage more people to learn swimming and take an interest in water-based recreation.
After the event’s successful completion, an award ceremony was held, where winners received prizes. The ceremony was attended by District Sports Officer Mohammad Ala Uddin, journalist Delwar Hossain, acting principal of Pekua Central School Mujibul Haque Chowdhury, social worker Mohammad Azam, and several local media representatives.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
