On Friday morning (February 16), a metaphorical race titled Smart Bangladesh Run 20224 was held at Hatir Jheel in the capital. 2041 amateur runners participated in this race in four categories (women, men, over 50s and people with special needs).
State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak also participated in this race. He participated in the competition and crossed the target with a time of 68 minutes. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary of the ICT Division, a2i Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury also ran with him.
The 7.5 km run started from the front of Hatirjheel Amphitheater at 6 am. The race was completed by coming back to the amphitheater circling the Hatirjheel water body. A total of 2041 amateur runners participated in four categories i.e., women, men, over fifty and disabled. Men, women and runners over 50 years of age participated in separate events and ran for 7.5 kms. And Runners with disabilities ran for 1 km. Event winners are determined on a chip timing system.
A total of 19 winners in four categories were awarded cash prizes, certificates and medals. Besides, all the runners were given race jerseys and medals. A visually impaired person became champion.
At the end of the competition, State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak handed over the prizes to the winners and said that to build a smart Bangladesh, we need healthy, non-communal, patriotic smart citizens with progressive spirit. Just as the Smart Run time is 75 minutes, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fixed 17 years to build Smart Bangladesh. In these 17 years, we will fulfill our responsibility as a patriotic, progressive, innovative and problem-solving citizen from each place and build a smart Bangladesh.
The project Director of a2i Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuya; Joint Project Director Molla Mizanur Rahman; Project Manager Majedul Islam; Head of Culture and Communications Purabi Matin were present.