Bangladeshi Adventurer Najmun Nahar Makes History by Travelling to 185 Countries

Bangladeshi adventurer Najmun Nahar has reached a historic milestone by travelling to 185 countries. She completed her journey to the 185th country on August 7 through a visit to Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom.

Over her 26-year-long global journey, Najmun Nahar has raised Bangladesh’s red-and-green national flag at more than 1,294 locations around the world. She has carried the flag to high mountain peaks, remote mountains, deserts, seas, oceans, islands and numerous natural and historical landmarks.

Her remarkable journey has been marked by difficult routes, uncertainty and numerous challenges. As a solo traveller, she has travelled to all landlocked countries by road, crossing remote international borders and undertaking long overland journeys. Despite facing risks and difficult circumstances, she continued her expedition across one country after another.

Najmun Nahar began her global journey in 2000 by participating in an international adventure programme in India. She reached her 100th-country milestone on June 1, 2018, with a visit to Zimbabwe. She later reached 150 countries through her journey to São Tomé and Príncipe on October 6, 2021, 175 countries with Vanuatu in September 2024, and 184 countries with her visit to the Bahamas in December 2025.

Alongside her travels, Najmun Nahar has promoted Bangladesh on the international stage. She has also been campaigning for peace, environmental protection and the prevention of child marriage through the message: “No War, Only Peace, Save the Planet, Stop Child Marriage.”

She has visited more than 100 schools, colleges and universities around the world, where she has highlighted Bangladesh’s independence history, culture, heritage and achievements. As an international motivational speaker, she has encouraged young people to develop courage, leadership, self-confidence, humanitarian values and determination to pursue their dreams. She has also spoken at the TEDx platform.

Najmun Nahar is also involved in humanitarian initiatives. She has worked as a goodwill ambassador for different organisations and has been associated with Safar for Peace, a UK-based platform representing 26 charitable organisations. She has also participated in initiatives supporting children affected by war, promoting peace and humanitarian causes.

In recognition of her global journey and humanitarian work, Najmun Nahar has received more than 70 national and international awards and honours. Among them is the Peace Torch Bearer Award, which she received from the United States in 2019.

In 2018, the Government of Zambia honoured her with the title “Flag Girl.” In 2023, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre honoured her with the title “Brave Girl.” Governments, ministries, universities and prominent individuals from different countries have also recognised her achievements.

Born in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, Najmun Nahar completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Political Science at the University of Rajshahi. She later earned a higher degree in Asian Studies from Lund University in Sweden and studied Human Rights and Asia at Seoul National University in South Korea.

Describing her Bhutan adventure, Najmun Nahar said, “The mountainous scenery of Bhutan amazed me again during my adventure to the 185th country. Bhutan has been one of the most exciting and adventurous journeys of my life.” During the trip, she raised Bangladesh’s national flag in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Dochula, Bumthang, Phobjikha and Haa Valley.

By travelling to 185 countries, Najmun Nahar has established herself as an inspiring example of courage, perseverance and determination. Her journey with Bangladesh’s red-and-green flag has highlighted the country’s culture, history and the strength of Bangladeshi women on the global stage.