Babar Ali, who conquered the world’s highest peak Mount Everest a few days back, was accorded a reception at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport upon his arrival from Nepal via Dhaka on Tuesday night.
A festive atmosphere was prevailing in his birthplace Chattogram when the news of his return spread on social media.
In an immediate reaction to the media, Babar said, "I had the confidence that after reaching the summits of Everest and Lhotse, I would return home. And that's what happened. Long training, effort and ambition—all have been fulfilled. I am delighted with the encouragement from the people of our country."
Babar Ali was warmly welcomed at the Shah Amanat International Airport by the people of Chittagong around 10.15pm.
Earlier in the evening, he had arrived at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from Nepal and then headed towards his hometown Chattogram arriving later that night.
However, his arrival was delayed from the expected time of 5:30pm due to adverse weather conditions in Nepal.
Expedition coordinator Farhan Zaman said, "To honor the requests of Babar Ali's parents and well-wishers, we brought him back today instead of June 3."
Babar Ali will hold a press briefing with journalists at 11am on Wednesday at the Alliance Française de Chattogram’s Chawkbazar.
Moreover, on June 2, a celebratory bicycle rally will be held from Oxygen area to Shilpakala Academy in the city at 4pm. He will share his stories of conquering Everest and Lhotse at the district Shilpakala Academy from 6:30pm to 9pm.
Babar Ali reached the summit of Lhotse on May 21 at 6:05am local time. Prior to this, on May 19, he became the fifth Bangladeshi to conquer Mount Everest, reaching the peak at 8:45am.
Babar, who completed his MBBS, did not settle into a medical career. He studied at Chittagong Medical College but left his job to embark on numerous travels around the world. He also has a distinct interest in cycling.
