Monirul completes ‘Padma 100 km Ultra Marathon Swim’
Sports Reporter :
A new chapter has been added to the history of river-based sports in Bangladesh. Solo swimmer Monirul Islam has successfully completed the “Historic Padma 100 km Ultra Marathon Swim 2025”. This swim has created history as the first and longest solo 100 km swim in the Padma River in Bangladesh and South Asia.
The swim started at 10:45 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, from Paturia Ferry Terminal No. 5 in Manikganj district. After swimming for 17 hours and 55 minutes, he finished the swim at Chandpur Estuary the next day, Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 4:40 pm.
Monirul Islam himself was the only participant in this historic expedition. Despite facing the strong current of the Padma, the darkness of the night, and the physical challenges of a long time, he successfully completed this long-distance swim through strong morale and perseverance.
The main objective of this swim was to protect the river, create public awareness, make history, and further expand and popularize swimming in all corners of the country. According to the organizers, this event will play an important role in the country’s sports and river-centered awareness movement.
The Deputy Commissioner of Manikganj, a representative of the Bangladesh Ministry of Shipping and a representative of BIWTA were present during the swim and at the closing stage. In addition, Chittagong University Ex-Student Club Dhaka, Chittagong University Alumni Association and Adventure Swimming Bangladesh were associated as associate organisations.
The main organizer of the event was Chittagong University Ex-Student Club Dhaka. 10 professional staff of BIWTA provided round-the-clock support with logistical support throughout the event. People’s Feed and Hatchery PLC provided financial support.
After the swim, Monirul Islam said,
“I want to take swimming to a new level in Bangladesh, so that future generations are encouraged to swim. InshaAllah, I want to participate in bigger long-distance swims in the future and one day I dream of crossing the English Channel. I express my deep gratitude to everyone who has supported this campaign in various ways.”