Around the country in 25 days!

For 20-year-old Munna Shikder, it all began after hearing a story of an old man who travelled the country by riding bicycle about six to seven years back.

Ever since, he started dreaming of travelling the 64 districts on a bicycle.

Failing to get his family's support, Munna, son of retired policeman Neyamot Ali, started tutoring from class eight to save money for a bicycle.

Youngest among seven siblings, Munna finally was able to buy one at Tk 30,000 in 2016. In November of the same year, he became a member of D-Chokrozan, a Chittagong based group of cyclists.

He moved from place to place in Chittagong with the group and it was until April 9 this year, he finally decided to start his journey. Munna began his tour at 5:00am from Chittagong City Gate area. He cycled for 10 hours a day on an average and travelled around 4,100km.

After cycling for 25 days he reached Cox's Bazar sea beach at 6:00pm on May 3 and thus completing his journey.

During his tour he went to all the Sadar upazilas and tourist spots of the 64 districts.

“It was not easy,” said Munna, who is from Gopalganj and currently resides in Halishahar area of Chittagong city.

“I took the local roads instead of the highways to touch all the districts in a short time. Cyclists of different districts helped me by providing food and shelter,” he said, adding, “I had to stay in hotels only in four places and it required Tk 7,800 to complete my journey.”

Noman Siddique, a member of D-Chokrozan who travelled 64 districts in 29 days by riding bicycle last year with another member AR Babul, said Munna has broken their record.

“My next target is to travel Khardung La in Jammu and Kashmir of India,” said a hopeful Munna.

“May be my bicycle will take me around the world one day.”