Inspired by a novel, five Bangladeshi ladies scale three peaks

BY A STAFF REPOETER

Kathmandu, Jan. 16: Have You Read Sultana's Dream, a famous science novella by Bangladeshi writer Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain?  

     The iconic feminist literary masterpiece recognised in UNESCO's Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia-Pacific continues to inspire women worldwide. Written in 1905, Sultana’s Dream envisions a “Ladyland” where women lead through education, science and innovation — a vision that remains profoundly relevant today.

Drawing inspiration from Rokeya’s visionary work, five Bangladeshi women mountaineers recently completed the Women’s Winter Expedition ‘24, a daring journey to Nepal’s Langtang region. 

The team scaled three peaks: Yala, Gosainkunda and Surya, braving harsh winter conditions to celebrate the resilience, courage and boundless potential of Bangladeshi women.

The team began their journey on December 21 and arrived in Kathmandu on January 11. "This historic expedition, aptly named “Sultana’s Dream Unbound,” symbolised the empowerment and aspirations of women, breaking societal barriers and inspiring future generations to dream big," said Jibesh Rayamajhi at a function organised in the capital on Monday to welcome back the Women's Winter Expedition team.

All the members of the team shared their experience of mountaineering.

The team led by Nishat Mazumder, Co-founder of Abhijatri (The Explorer), included Yasmin Lisa, Artipa Debnath, Mousumi Aktar Ap and Tahura Sultana Rekha. Leader Mazumder is the first Bangladeshi woman to summit Mount Everest, under the banner of Abhijatri while Lisa is a mountaineer, runner, and activist. 

Likewise, Tahura Sultana Rekha is an adventure content creator, Mousumi Aktar Ap is a Sports educator and Arpita Debnath is a social worker and microbiologist.

The expedition was organised by Abhijatri, which is dedicated to promoting adventure, gender equality and social responsibility in Bangladesh. 

Their motto, “Inspiring Adventures, Empowering Lives,” reflects their commitment to fostering positive social change through transformative experiences.

"We are interested in working in Nepal-Bangaldesh collaboration in breaking the barrier initiatives like this," Gitanka D. Datta, Trustee of Liberation War Museum of Bangladesh, said.

Professor Abhi Subedi, Keshab Sigdel, Shakuntala Joshi, Bindu Subedi and others hailed the courage of young ladies from Bangladesh. It is informed that Redpanda Books is publishing the Nepali version of Sultana’s Dream.