Mountaineer Shakil begins ‘Sea to Summit’ expedition from Cox’s Bazar to Everest

Ikramul Hasan Shakil, a UNDP Youth Advocate and mountaineer, began his 1,300-kilometer journey from Inani Beach, Cox's Bazar, to Mount Everest on Sunday, aiming to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.

A flag-off ceremony marked the official start of the expedition, attended by UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller and other dignitaries. Over the next 90 days, Shakil will travel on foot across Bangladesh, India, and Nepal before attempting to summit Everest, which stands at 29,031 feet.

The Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club is supporting the effort, with PRAN Group as the title sponsor. Additional partners include Mr. Noodles as the snacks partner, Makalu E-Traders Nepal as the gear partner, and Sistema Bangladesh as the health partner. If completed successfully, the expedition could set a new Guinness World Record.

"This journey is not just about setting a record; it's a call to action against plastic pollution," Shakil said. "By traveling from the Bay of Bengal to the world's highest peak, I want to inspire people to rethink their plastic use and take active steps toward protecting our environment."

Stefan Liller emphasized the significance of tackling plastic pollution. "Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. It threatens biodiversity, contaminates our oceans, and affects the livelihoods of millions. Urgent action and widespread awareness are essential to tackling this crisis," he said. "I hope Shakil's expedition will inspire people to reduce single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable lifestyles."

Shakil's journey will take him from the lowlands of Bangladesh to the extreme altitudes of the Himalayas, serving as a demonstration of endurance and a call for environmental responsibility.