PRAN Supports ‘Sea to Summit’ Journey – A Walk Towards Dreams, Purpose, and a Greener.
Ikramul Hasan Shakil, a Bangladeshi adventurer, writer and youth icon, has embarked on a groundbreaking expedition titled “Sea to Summit” a bold journey from Inani Beach in Cox’s Bazar to the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Starting on February 25, 2025, this remarkable feat spans over 1,300 kilometers, crossing the diverse terrains of Bangladesh, India and Nepal. His mission is more than just a personal milestone, it is an act of national storytelling. It aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution, promote environmental sustainability and inspire the next generation of Bangladeshis to dream big and act responsibly. If successful, Shakil will break the record of Australian mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape, who completed a similar sea-to-summit expedition in 1990 and set a new Guinness World Record for the longest and fastest walk from sea level to Everest’s peak.
At the heart of this mission is PRAN Group, Bangladesh’s leading food and beverage conglomerate, stepping forward not just as a sponsor but as a believer in bold dreams and the people who pursue them. As the title sponsor of the “Sea to Summit” campaign, PRAN is proud to walk beside Shakil, offering strength to a journey that embodies the spirit of Bangladesh resilient, value-driven and forward-looking. This campaign is an extension of PRAN’s long-standing commitment to nourishing not only bodies, but also the hearts and minds of a generation ready to make change.
Shakil’s goal is not only to complete this epic journey in record-breaking time, but to become the first Bangladeshi to set a Guinness World Record for the longest and fastest walk from sea level to Everest’s summit; surpassing the legendary feat of Australian mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape. This endeavor is supported by a network of partners including Mr. Noodles (snack partner), Sistema Bangladesh (health partner), Makalu E-Traders Nepal (gear partner), the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC) as the organizing body. UNDP Bangladesh is also backing the expedition as an associate sponsor, aligning it with global climate and sustainability goals.
This isn’t Shakil’s first chapter of courage. In 2023, he etched his name in history by becoming the first Bangladeshi to complete the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) – a 1,700 km solo trek across some of Nepal’s most treacherous and remote mountain passes, including 14 above 5,000 meters. That journey placed him among fewer than 50 people worldwide who have ever achieved this. But more importantly, it marked him as a torchbearer of inspiration for thousands of young Bangladeshis seeking purpose, identity and challenge.
“Sea to Summit” is deeply symbolic. It begins at the shoreline where plastic waste and climate concerns are part of daily life and rises all the way to the untouched heights of Everest, representing the cleaner, more conscious world we must strive for. Along the way, Shakil is engaging with local communities, listening, learning and sharing the importance of sustainable living. It is a moving platform for climate education, youth leadership and national pride.
