The first-ever 'Smart Bangladesh Run 2024' race competition took place in Dhaka amidst a festive atmosphere on Friday (February 16).
Aspire to Innovate-a2i and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division of the government jointly organized the event with the theme 'Step into the Future: Run for Mission 2041' to promote a healthy lifestyle for citizens, build a Smart nation, and raise awareness and enthusiasm for the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 among citizens, according to a press release.
The race commenced at 6 am in front of Hatirjheel's amphitheater and concluded after covering a distance of 7.5 km around the entire Hatirjheel area.
A total of 2041 amateur runners participated in the event across four categories: women, men, people over 50, and people with disabilities. The 7.5 km category featured separate events for women, men, and runners over 50 years old.
Conversely, the 1 km category was designated for runners with disabilities, while the winners of the event were determined by a chip timing system.
Nineteen winners across four categories received cash prizes, certificates, and medals. Md Imran Hasan emerged as the champion in the men's category, while Hamida Akhter Jeba secured the champion title in the women's category.
Furthermore, Md. Wahab Khan claimed the first position in the over-50 category, and Abu Rayhan, Shihab Biswas, and Jannatul Naeem were champions respectively in three categories (wheelchair, visually impaired, and hearing and speech impaired). All runners received race jerseys and medals.
State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak also participated in the 7.5 km category to motivate the runners taking part in the Smart Bangladesh Run event, completing the race in 68 minutes.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak graced the ceremony as the chief guest. Following the race, the state minister and other guests presented the awards to the winners.
In the event, a2i's Project Director (Joint Secretary) Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Joint Project Director (Joint Secretary) Mollah Mizanur Rahman, Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury, Project Manager Mazedul Islam, Head of Culture and Communications Purabi Matin also attended.