Bhairab Residents Embrace Fitness and Environmental Work Along Meghna River
Groups of local residents in Bhairab gather daily along the banks of the Meghna River before sunrise for group fitness, walking, and environmental cleanup activities. Participants have maintained this routine for years, citing significant health improvements and community bonding.
In Bhairab, Kishoreganj, residents living near the Meghna Bridge and the riverbank area have established a rigorous daily routine of morning walks, physical exercise, and environmental awareness activities. Operating under the motto 'We rise before the sun,' at least four large groups have been conducting group workouts together for approximately five years. The participants gather regularly in the early hours to engage in structured physical fitness routines before the sun comes up, turning the riverbank into a vibrant hub of health and community activity.
Among the active participants are Mofijul Islam, Habibur Rahman, Sajal Kumar Deb, Al Amin, Al Uddin Ali, Imran Hossain, Monjurul Kabir, Monju Mia, Ataur Rahman, Nasir Uddin, Kazi Usman Goni, Abdul Matin, Rafiqul Islam, Monmohan, Mosharraf Hossain, Mofazzal Hossain, Idris Mia, Md. Babul, Zakir Hossain, Abul Kashem, Ala Uddin, Kaijar Chowdhury, and Shamsuzzaman. Several local organizations are involved in these daily gatherings, including the Kakli KhelaGhar Asar Bhairab branch, the Marathon Running Group, Gang Samiti, and the Tourist Club, bringing together diverse members of the community.
Reflecting on the lifestyle change, Mofijul Islam—whose team consists of 15 members—shared that he used to stay awake late at night and struggled to wake up in the morning. After deciding with a few others to rise before sunrise, it has now become their daily habit. Another prominent group, the 'Evergreen Chattar,' has been active for six years and boasts a membership of approximately 50 people. Members of this particular group not only engage in exercise and yoga but also gather every Friday to enjoy traditional bhuna khichuri and practice loud laughter therapy together.
The daily schedule is strictly maintained by the participants. Kazi Usman Goni noted that everyone in their group must wake up before the sun and arrive at the riverbank by quarter to six in the morning, dedicating 30 minutes to exercise and 30 minutes to walking every single day. Abdul Matin added that, barring major natural disasters, they visit the riverbank consistently every day of the week. For some, the health benefits have been transformative; Habibur Rahman reported that his participation has helped him lose 10 kilograms.
Beyond physical fitness, the groups are deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Md. Babul explained that alongside walking, planting trees and clearing weeds are part of their regular activities along the riverbank. Furthermore, Shamsuzzaman noted that their morning walks inspired a broader philosophy of wellness, stating that to remain completely healthy, one must also travel, prompting their members to both walk locally and travel across the country.
