PRAN’s support plays a key role to conquer Everest: Shakil
Mountaineer Ikramul Hasan Shakil has made history by setting three world records in a single expedition. He became the youngest climber to conquer Mount Everest from sea level, covering the longest distance on foot in the shortest time — walking from Cox’s Bazar at sea level, crossing 1,400 kilometers, and reaching the summit of Everest in just 84 days. Shakil thanked PRAN and other stakeholders for their support, stating that such an unprecedented achievement might not have been possible without them.
Upon returning from Nepal on Thursday, Shakil was honored at a reception held in Dhaka by PRAN, the title sponsor of the "Sea to Summit" expedition. During the event, he shared the emotional and physical challenges he faced during the journey.
Shakil said, “The path was filled with uncertainty — from the Khumbu Icefall to the Lhotse Face, South Col, and Hillary Step — each section was a mental battlefield. Wearing an oxygen mask in the death zone, I often felt I couldn’t go any further. But the dream of raising Bangladesh’s flag at the top of the world and the commitment to the 'Sea to Summit' expedition kept me going.”
He further added, “In our country, climbing Everest or similar non-traditional sports rarely get proper funding. Many young talents want to achieve for the country in various fields, but a lack of financial support stops them. Without the support of a main sponsor, such a major expedition would probably not have been possible for me. For this, I am grateful to PRAN and also thank my family, friends, and the Mountaineering Club. Because of their love and encouragement, I was able to successfully complete the summit.”
Eleash Mridha, Managing Director of PRAN Group, said, “We wanted to help Shakil achieve his dream and contribute to a moment of national pride. Seeing the Bangladeshi flag flying on the world’s highest peak and PRAN is connected to that moment — it is a joy beyond words.”
The historic expedition is organized by the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC). The popular noodles brand Mr. Noodles has joined as the snacks partner for this historic expedition.
At the reception ceremony, Anu Tarek. World traveler and Member of BMTC, Toshan Paul, General Manager of Mr. Noodles and high officials of PRAN Group were also present.
Starting his journey on February 25 from Inani Beach in Cox’s Bazar, Shakil walked nearly 1,400 kilometers through Bangladesh, India, and Nepal before reaching the 29,031-foot summit of Mount Everest on May 19 at 6:30 AM. By doing so, he broke the previous world record held by Australian climber Tim Macartney, who in 1990 walked from India’s Ganga Sagar to the Everest summit in over three months.