After eight months on the road, Bangladeshi athlete Saiful Islam – known as Shanto – has trekked some 3,000 kilometres from his homeland. He arrived in Cambodia this January.

He plans to complete a 12-year mission, walking across 193 countries, with the goal of inspiring people to “Save Trees to Minimise Global Warming” and promote environmental preservation. He also hopes to encourage a healthy, active and disciplined lifestyle.

“This isn't just a personal endeavour; it's a mission to inspire global awareness about saving trees and combating climate change,” Shanto told The Post. “Every step I take symbolises a call for a greener, more sustainable future for all of humanity.”

The 28-year-old, a passionate hiker from Cumilla district, Bangladesh, began his aptly named “World Travel on Foot” on March 22, 2024, starting from Dhaka.

The flags of Bangladesh and Cambodia adorn Shanto's backpack as he walks through Phnom Penh. Leap Tepitou

“I have already walked through Bangladesh, India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Nepal and Thailand. Currently, I am travelling on foot in Cambodia,” he explained.

“I arrived in Cambodia on January 10, through the Poipet border gate,” he told The Post, adding that “with a one-month tourist visa, I plan to travel on foot across Cambodia for the entire month.”

A graduate of Dania University College, Dhaka, with a degree in Geography and Environment, his campaign has received support from his local authorities, as well as the Bangladeshi embassies in the countries he has walked through.

“Saiful Islam has been engaged in hiking/running/walking/trekking activities at home and abroad for the last eight years. He has already completed the Bangladesh to India Walking Challenge (Dhaka to Sandäkpiu, Darjeeling) in 2022, walking a total distance of 1,500 kilometres on foot. Earlier, he also travelled the 64 districts of Bangladesh on foot in 75 days, covering a total of 3,000 kilometres,” said a letter from Saiful Islam, Shanto’s namesake and mayor of Debidwar Pourashava, in Cumilla.

A combo photo of Shanto Pub Street of Siem Reap, in front of the Independence Monument and along a road in Banteay Meanchey province. Supplied

“We appreciate his courage, determination and commitment towards sports activities and the willpower of the youth group,” the letter continued.

“We would request all concerned to kindly provide all necessary assistance regarding visa support and cooperation from the police departments of different countries and other necessary related issues during his tour.

“We wish him good health and completion of a successful World Travel on Foot.”

According to Mazharul Islam of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, the public is awaiting the results of the young man’s mission to visit every country in the world with tremendous anticipation.

At night, he usually stays in village mosques, police stations or temples. Supplied

“As a frequent traveller, he is a youthful traveller who tours, hikes, and summits mountains on a regular basis. He actively participates in the affairs of the most prominent running organisations in Bangladesh and oversees the 3,000-member 'Debidwar Runners' running group,” he wrote.

“He has embarked on a circumnavigation of the globe on foot. Commencing in Asia (Bangladesh), he aims to reach a total of 193 countries. Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica comprise his tentative route,” he added.

Shanto’s journey has garnered national and international attention, with features in various media outlets. His story has resonated with many, encouraging them to reconsider their relationship with nature and prioritise environmental conservation.

Shanto and some of the children he met during a rest stop. Supplied

He is currently in Siem Reap, after a stay in Phnom Penh to process some documents.

When asked about his experience in Cambodia, his seventh country, Shanto said: “My experience with this country and its people has been truly amazing. Since I mostly walked through village roads, I was deeply impressed by the simplicity and warmth of the villagers”.

“At night, I usually stayed in village mosques, police stations or temples. The people there provided me with food and showed incredible hospitality, which I will never forget.”

“I sincerely thank the people of Cambodia for their kindness and generosity.”

While his time in Cambodia was largely smooth, he occasionally encountered minor difficulties. Finding food and water could be challenging at times, particularly in less populated areas. Shanto also experienced occasional communication issues due to the language barrier. 

Shanto with a police officer in Siem Reap province. Supplied

“However, the kindness and support of the local people always made these challenges easier to overcome. Additionally, vehicles move at high speeds on the roads, so I was slightly concerned about having an accident while walking,” he said.

What Shanto said he will remember most from Cambodia is the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

“Especially Angkor Wat. The largest religious monument in the world, it had a profound impact on me. The grandeur and historical significance of these temples are truly remarkable,” he explained.

“The history of Cambodia, its magnificent temples, and the heartfelt affection of the locals will stay with me forever,” he added.

He hoped that the Kingdom’s rich history will become known to everyone, and that tourists from Bangladesh will visit Cambodia to learn about its history. Similarly, he urged the people of Cambodia to learn about Bangladesh’s history by visiting.

Shanto takes a selfie with his backpack at a kilometre marker on National Road 6. Supplied

“In this way, tourism exchange between Bangladesh and Cambodia will increase, and strong relations will be built between the two countries. This is how both countries will progress together,” he said.

After Cambodia, his plans are to continue through Southeast Asia, visiting Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. His ambitious goal is to traverse all 193 countries by 2036.

“By completing my walk in the next decade, I aim to inspire people to lead a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Additionally, I want to raise awareness about environmental protection and the importance of saving trees to combat global warming. My goal is to leave a positive impact on both the planet and people’s lives,” he noted.