A doctor by profession, Babar began his journey from Thakurgaon on October 25. Starting out between 6 or 7 in the morning, he walked till sundown. Two months later, on December 27, Babar reached Cox’s Bazar, ending his awareness campaign regarding the use of plastics.
Babar was received warmly by the youth of Cox’s Bazar, celebrating the completion of his campaign.
After completing his MBBS from Chittagong Medical College, Babar worked briefly as a medical officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental organization of the UN concerning refugees. However, his love of travelling compelled him to quit a few months ago. The bends around the hills were for him more alluring than his office chair.
After leaving his job, he planned to travel through all 64 districts of the country on foot with the goal of visiting schools and local markets along the way to raise awareness about the effects of single-use plastic.
During his journey, he experienced something unique almost every day.
Babar believes he has been successful in his quest. He said: “I was overwhelmed by the interest and positive mindset of people where raising awareness is concerned. Most of them have pledged to use less plastic and reduce plastic wastes after considering their harmful effects on the environment.”
Now that the campaign has been completed, Babar elaborated on his future plans: “Just because I have finished campaigning now does not mean I will stop here. I have devised plans for the future to continue this campaign. The plans might be small but my dreams are very big.”
He spent nights at his relatives or friends' houses, where too he tried to make them aware about the issue.
The environment-friendly individual holds the view that although it is not possible to change people's minds or stop plastic use in a single day, it is possible to raise awareness gradually.
Citing research conducted by the British charity organization Ellen MacArthur Foundation, he said: "If the situation continues, there will be more plastic in the oceans than the total volume of fish. So it is imperative to raise awareness about the issue."
