A couple's tale travelling through Bangladesh's 64 districts

In a world where wanderlust often takes a back seat to responsibilities, a couple in the country broke free from life's tired constraints. 

Meet Shakhwat Hossen Shafat and Jannatul Islam Shikha, who have transformed their lives into an adventure of 13 years and counting. They took up a road less travelled making exploration their first and foremost priority. Theirs is a story – through all 64 districts of Bangladesh – which inspires curiosity, and perhaps awe. 

Unsurprisingly, their incredible travel exploits went viral on social media captivating a large online audience. In this exclusive interview, Shafat and Shikha shared their insights into their unique approach to travel, from budget-friendly strategies to the significance of local connections, and beyond.

A journey through time

On a recent weekday, I met them at a coffee shop. Sitting on leather sofas and consumed by the shop's cosy ambience, Shafat introduced himself and his wife, Shikha, with a warm smile. 

The couple tied the knot back in  2017 after a 7-year relationship. "Our academic journey began together with passing our SSC in 2009. So, our relationship, which started in college, entered its 13th year," said Shikha. The depth of their connection seemed almost palpable as they looked at each other.

The couple attended Chittagong Commerce College together. Later, they both went on to pursue their honours and master's degrees at Dhaka University. Currently, they reside in the capital's Mirpur. 

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that they travelled as much as they did for a reason more than just ticking off a checklist of destinations. Rather, it was a manifestation of their bond. 

Over the years, the couple haven't had many movie or restaurant dates. "Instead, we've opted for adventures. We enjoy it more," said Shafat. Shikha added, "When we're on the road, it's a break from our busy lives and that's what we cherish the most."

Turning jealousy into adventure

While tourism and hospitality management was Shikha's major, it was Shafat's profession that spurred their travelling spree. "As a wedding photographer, I used to travel to different districts for work," explained Shafat, "After we got married, Shikha became a bit jealous whenever I would mention my work-related travels. So, I thought, why not travel together and document our experiences?"

"Initially, we didn't plan to cover all the districts so quickly. But being a photographer, Shafat was keen on capturing beautiful images everywhere," said Shikha. With time, the duo began to genuinely enjoy the experience, especially when exploring offbeat destinations.

By the time they covered many districts, they considered travelling to the rest of the country. "Exploring the whole country together has been an amazing experience," said Shafat. A sense of fulfilment twinkled in his eyes.  

Both of their families have been supportive throughout this journey. 

"Initially, when we started exploring lesser-known places, they questioned our choices," said Shikha, who works in the marketing department of a private company. "For example, they'd suggest going to Cox's Bazar instead of Jhenaidah. However, with time, they understood our passion for travel and the questions stopped."

The art of choosing destinations

Choosing a destination in a never-explored district is not that difficult, thanks to the Internet. "Our process typically starts with a Google search. For instance, if we decide to visit Chapainawabganj, I begin by searching for sightseeing places in Chapainawabganj," said Shafat.

"Then, I look for more details on Facebook tour groups," Shafat continued, revealing a meticulous planning strategy. By compiling a list from these sources, they gauge the distances and directions between different locations using Google Maps. This helps them plan how to cover as many places as possible in a short period.

Spending as little as possible

You might be familiar with a "viral" quote meaning it shows up a lot on travel blogs or social media accounts. "If travelling was free, you'd never see me again." This quote is rooted in people's first concern when it comes to travelling – money. 

"Travelling can be expensive, but it's not as costly as people might think. We don't meticulously track our expenses, but we do prefer budget travel. Our goal is to spend as little as possible," said Shafat.

They opted for no fancy hotels, no resorts and no fancy vehicles to travel. Also, they looked for any host within their network in the respective district. "During our visit to Jhenaidah, we kept expenses low," Shafat shares. " A university senior managed a circuit house for us for around four days."

Shikha chimed in, "Our priority has always been to minimise expenses. For example, during our trip to Narail, we stayed in a place that cost only Tk500. The experience wasn't very pleasant, and the establishment was less than satisfactory. However, there are some resorts outside the city that we could have chosen but we avoided them as they are costly."

The power of local connections

For an extensive travel goal, some local connections prove imperative  – be it anywhere in the world. "As a photographer, I've found that my network has been invaluable," Shafat affirmed. "Often, when we announce our travel plans on Facebook, someone offers assistance."

Their reliance on local connections adds depth to their travels. "We're not shy about seeking help from others," Shikha said. Moreover, local insights help with practical information, such as the best time to visit a place, whether there are shortcuts, fare details or when certain places are closed and more. 

Speaking to the couple, their gratitude to the people who helped them along the way during their travels was evident. 

Favourite places

The couple seems to have collected so many tales that it's impossible to cover them all in one or two sittings, embodying Alfred Tennyson's famous line: "I am a part of all that I have met."

So what have been your most cherished destinations in the country? "Our most memorable experience was at Char Kukri Mukri, an island in Bhola, along with nearby Tarua beach, which was equally stunning," Shikha recalled. "Additionally, Srimangal and Rema-Kalenga forest in Habiganj left a lasting impression."

Shafat shared his personal favourite as well. "I have a strong affinity for Bandarban. I've visited it several times, both with Shikha and with friends," he said. 

When asked about choosing between the mountains and the sea, Shikha diplomatically responded, "I'm an omnivorous traveller; I appreciate the beauty of all places," while Shafat admitted that he prefers the mountains.

Facing criticism with resilience

Their journey hasn't been without its share of criticism, especially when it comes to their choice of locations. 

"While many people have appreciated our pictures, some have wondered if we could have chosen better spots to represent their district," said Shafat. To keep their authenticity as travellers they candidly shared both their highs and lows. Shikha added, "It was more about our travel than representing any specific district, so we shared our honest reviews of various places."

The truth is that the couple didn't anticipate such a wide audience when they shared their album on Facebook. "Perhaps if we had known, we would have been more mindful in our writing," said Shafat, breaking into an awkward smile. 

Future adventures

In their viral post, many people are tagging their partners to make plans for tours. As much as the duo inspires many couples to go on a tour, they remain enthusiastic to continue their wandering around. 

"Since getting married, we've set a goal to visit one new country each year," Shafat shared. "So far, we've explored five countries: India, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. "However, there are still many more places within the country to discover," added Shikha.

As they set their sights on upcoming adventures, one can only imagine the captivating stories and stunning images they'll continue to share.

Shafat and Shikha concluded with a note of hope, and their intent to savour life to the fullest, echoing Tennyson's immortal words, "I cannot rest from travel: I will drink Life to the lees."