A group of 52 foreign nationals is pedaling their bicycles to reach Sonaimuri in Noakhali, Bangladesh, where they will join a youth peace camp. Among these individuals, 50 are from India, and 2 are from the United Kingdom. The event is being organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust of Bangladesh and an organization called Snehalaya from India.
Before setting out on their journey, the group paid their respects at the tomb of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Tungipara. They also visited the Padma Bridge and spent the night at a guest house provided by SDS, a private organization in Shariatpur.
The group comprises individuals ranging in age from 14 to 70, including 11 women. A total of 36 people are cycling together, and those who become tired can take a break by sitting in a car. Among the travelers are British citizens Nicolas Pocks and Lorraine Hodge, who are exploring the scenic landscapes of Bangladesh by bicycle. The team is accompanied by a medical team and a guide team from the Gandhi Ashram Trust. Four members of the Shariatpur Cyclists welcomed them and escorted them to Chandpur Ferry Ghat.
A student from Pooja College in Odisha, India, shared his perspective on the trip, saying that Mahatma Gandhi is revered as the father of the Indian nation, and his name holds great significance for Indians. Similarly, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is honored as the father of the nation in Bangladesh, and his memory is cherished. The purpose of their bicycle journey to Bangladesh is to experience the country’s education and culture.
Madhusudhan Das, a musician and NGO worker from Maharashtra, India, also expressed his enthusiasm about being in Bangladesh. He found the people to be exceptionally hospitable and formed meaningful connections with those he interacted with during his time here. The natural beauty of Bangladesh left a lasting impression, and he expressed a desire to return to Bangladesh if given the opportunity.
Mahabunnabi Suman, a volunteer of the Gandhi Ashram Trust in Noakhali and coordinator of the cycling journey, highlighted that citizens from 12 countries would participate in the youth peace camp jointly organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust in Bangladesh and India’s Snehalaya. He emphasized the power of youth and non-violence in solving issues and promoting harmony.
The cycle ride serves as a means to build brotherhood and unity among people. Indian participants made stops at various locations to interact with local students, singing songs to encourage and motivate them. The team plans to arrive in Dhaka on October 3 and return to India on October 5 after engaging in discussions with government authorities.
According to sources from the Gandhi Ashram Trust of Bangladesh, a three-day youth peace camp is scheduled to take place on September 30 in Sonaimuri, Noakhali. The event is being organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust and Snehalaya. Representatives from 12 countries, including Bangladesh, India, and the United Kingdom, will participate.
