Around the country in 108 days

With the slogan “Today’s Children, Tomorrows Future; No More Child Labour, We Want Education,” Nasim Talukder – a youth from Dinajpur –completed traveling all the 64 districts of Bangladesh on foot on Tuesday. Nasim announced the finishing of his journey after reaching at Dinajpur’s Zero Point. It took him 108 days to complete the whole journey. He started walking from the same spot on October 22 last year. Nasim Talukder has recently appeared Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination (HSC) from Dinajpur KBM college. He is also a member of Rover Scout. Earlier, Secretary of Dinajpur Rover Scout Zahurul Haque along with hundreds of scout members accorded Nasim a warm reception at the entrance point of the city in Doshmile area and accompanied him by walking towards the city. When reached at Dinajpur Press Club, President of Press Club Chitta Ghosh, Councilor of Dinajpur Municipality, valiant freedom fighter Abu Tayeb Ali and journalist of different print and electronic media congratulated Nasim with a floral reception. Nasim is the eldest among four siblings. His father Bachhu Mia is a farmer by profession and his mother Nasima Khanom – a verbally challenged person –  is a home maker. He was grown up by his grandmother Rahmat Ara, a resident of city’s Upashahar area. Nasim Talukder told the Dhaka Tribune: “According to study of International Labour Organisation (ILO), around 74 lakh children in Bangladesh has been associated with the labour market by several means and among them, 13 lakh has been posed to serious heath risks due to their job nature.” “Though our law says no child under the age of 14 can be associated with any workforce, sign of its implementation is barely seen in our country,” he added. Asked how it felt completing the journey, Nasim said it was the greatest achievement of his life till then. He thanked all the people who inspired him during the journey as he found a way more cooperation than expected. He expressed his gratitude to all.