25-year-old woman walks from Teknaf to Tetulia to promote a healthier lifestyle

Tahura Sultana Rekha, a 25-year-old adventurer, completed an extraordinary journey on foot from Teknaf to Tetulia in just 26 days. She arrived at the Banglabandha Zero Point in Panchagarh's Tetulia on Friday evening, driven by her passion for exploring Bangladesh’s diverse beauty and promoting the benefits of walking for a healthier lifestyle.

Rekha’s determination and resilience have earned widespread praise. Her journey began at 6:00 am on November 29 from the zero point of Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. Originally from Bhashkhali Gandamara in Chattogram, she funded her expedition using her own earnings from her travel business. She established a travel agency in Chattogram’s Andorkillah area in 2020 and gradually expanded into selling travel-related products.

A graduate of Chattogram Women's College with an honours degree in Islamic History and Culture, Rekha has always had a passion for exploration and taking on challenges. On her way back home, she shared her enthusiasm for travel, recalling how she has loved discovering new places since childhood.

Her recently completed project, Sea to Himalayas, was divided into three phases. In the first phase, which began on November 29 last year, she walked from Teknaf to the eastern side of the Jamuna Bridge, reaching there by December 16. Since she couldn't walk across the bridge, she swam across the Jamuna River.

Following the first phase, she joined an all-female expedition team for a winter Himalayan adventure in Nepal, where she stayed for 25 days. In the second phase, she climbed Yala Peak (5,500m), Suriya Peak (5,145m), and Gosainkunda Peak (4,747m).

The third phase resumed on January 18 from the western side of the Jamuna Bridge, culminating in her arrival at Tetulia on Friday evening.

Rekha described the journey as exhilarating, especially when many people, including children, joined her along the way. She hopes to take on more projects in the future to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of an active lifestyle.