Mount Everest conqueror Babar Ali visited Furomon Hill, a prominent peak in the hilly district of Rangamati, for the first time on Friday morning.
He was accompanied by Rangamati LGED Executive Engineer Ahmad Shafi and Sadar Upazila Engineer Pranab Roy Chowdhury during the trip.
Babar began his trek from Sapchari in Rangamati at 9:20am, reaching the 1,518-foot-high Furomon Hill after a two-and-a-half-hour journey on foot, arriving at noon.
Expressing his admiration for Babar, Sadar Upazila Engineer Pranab Roy Chowdhury said: “Babar Ali, a native of Chittagong, is a source of pride for Bangladesh. He brought global recognition to the country by conquering Everest. It’s a privilege to accompany him on this trek to Furomon Hill.”
Executive Engineer Ahmad Shafi added: “Walking the tallest hill near Rangamati town alongside Everest conqueror Babar Ali is an honour. He is a national hero, and spending the day with him is an unforgettable experience.”
Babar shared his impressions of Furomon Hill, calling its surroundings “marvellous.” He highlighted the stunning 360-degree views from the hill’s helipad, which offers vistas of Rangamati town, Kaptai Lake, and the Subolong Hills.
“There is also a Buddhist temple here,” Babar noted, emphasizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of the pilgrimage site and urging visitors to respect its religious significance.
Addressing aspiring trekkers, Babar advised: “Those who are interested in trekking should begin by exploring the mountains within Bangladesh. Use your feet, not just your hands, to truly experience the journey. Build your skills gradually, and with time, you can tackle peaks in the Himalayas.”
Babar Ali, a Bangladeshi mountaineer, traveller, and doctor from Chittagong, became the sixth Bangladeshi to summit Mount Everest. He reached the peak at 8:30am Bangladesh time on May 19, 2024.
