“Bangladesh on Seven Summits”

Wasfia Nazreen has achieved the rare distinction of climbing the seven highest peaks in seven continents, popularly known as the "Seven Summits," a dream that has come true for only a few climbers in the world. The first Bangladeshi to do so, the 33-year old mountaineer and rights activists has made the nation proud. 

Named an Adventurer of the Year 2014-15 by the National Geographic for displaying extraordinary courage and spirit of adventure, she dedicated her feat to women's empowerment and  the "Spirit of '71 and all those who are fighting to protect it." The four-year long journey ended with her reaching the summit of Carstensz Pyramid, the highest mountain of Oceania/Australasia that turned out to be even more challenging than the Everest which she had scaled in 2012. 

Wasfia symbolises patience, endurance and determination for conquering the Seven Summits against all odds. But statistics alone is an incomplete assessment of her strength which, surprisingly, lies also in her humility. She remains remarkably unchanged by the adulation and attention her victories have brought her. 

By reveling in the unusual distinction of boasting the world's best at something, she becomes an outstanding role model for a youthful nation that won freedom not too long ago. In hailing Wasfia, Bangladesh today hails a symbol of what, as a nation, we collectively aspire to be. Her perseverance, we are sure, will be an inspiration to the youths of the country to achieve the challenging objectives in fulfilling the dream of the nation.