Bangladesh's flag in 185 countries: Nazmun Nahar creates new history in world travel

Bangladeshi traveller Nazmun Nahar has achieved a new milestone in global exploration. On August 7, with her visit to Bhutan, she reached the milestone of travelling to 185 countries . With this, she has set a unique record as the first Bangladeshi woman and the first Muslim woman in the world to travel to so many countries holding the national flag. Earlier, in December 2025, she had reached the milestone of 184 countries with her visit to the Bahamas .

Over the course of this 26-year journey, Nazmun has carried Bangladesh's red and green flag to various corners of the world. She has travelled across diverse and challenging terrains, including mountains, deserts, seas, islands and remote borders. As a solo traveller, she has journeyed through many places by road. Despite facing numerous risks and adversities along the way, she never wavered from her dream of seeing the world.

Nazmun's world travel began in 2000 when she participated in an international expedition programme in India. She then continued to increase the number of countries visited. On June 1, 2018, she achieved the 100th country milestone with a visit to Zimbabwe. On October 6, 2021, she reached 150 countries with a visit to Sao Tome and Principe. She then touched the 175th country in Vanuatu in 2024 and the 184th country in the Bahamas in late 2025 .

Nazmun did not limit her travels to personal experience. She has spoken about Bangladesh's Liberation War, culture, heritage and achievements at various educational institutions around the world . She has also spread messages of peace, environmental conservation and social awareness, such as 'No War, Only Peace', 'Save the Planet' and 'Stop Child Marriage' . She has also spoken on various international platforms to encourage young people to dream and implement them with confidence.

Recognition for this long journey has come at various times. She has received numerous accolades from various institutions and organisations at home and abroad . In February 2026, US-Bangla Airlines honoured her with the title of 'Flag Laureate of National Pride' in recognition of carrying the Bangladesh national flag to 184 countries. The airline described her journey as a symbol of courage, peace, unity and environmental awareness.

Regarding her Bhutan visit, Nazmun said the country's mountainous landscape and the beauty of the Himalayas captivated her. She flew the Bangladesh flag in various areas, including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Dochula, Bumthang, Phobjikha and Ha Valley . In this long journey to 185 countries, the red and green flag in Nazmun Nahar's hand is no longer just a symbol of travel, but represents Bangladesh's identity and the indomitable courage of a Bangladeshi woman across the globe.