Around 200 teachers and students took part in a five-kilometre marathon organised by the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal’s Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU) unit on Friday, under the slogan ‘Run for Democracy, Run for Bangladesh’.Titled the “Begum Khaleda Zia 5km Marathon”, the event began at around 8:00am from the university’s main gate.Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Babul, MP for Jamalpur-3 (Melandaha-Madarganj) constituency and a member of the university’s syndicate, attended the event as the chief guest. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Amir Hossain inaugurated the marathon.Special guests included Treasurer Dr Mohammad Ali Hossain, Registrar Sarwar Jahan, Jamalpur Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Azizul Haque, and Melandaha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Obaidur Rahman. The programme was chaired by AKM Abdullah Al Masud, acting convener of the university unit of Chhatra Dal, while its member secretary, Jinat Mia Ajizul, moderated the event.Addressing the programme, MP Mostafizur Rahman Babul described the marathon, held in remembrance Begum Khaleda Zia and in the spirit of democracy and patriotism, as an initiative that stood out from conventional political programmes. “Such initiatives are crucial to building a healthy and skilled nation by encouraging people to pursue specific goals and achieve their targets,” he said.Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Amir Hossain said the initiative was creative and commendable, adding that although the university faced infrastructural limitations, it had no shortage of talent and creativity. He stressed the need to organise such programmes regularly to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and other negative influences, embrace healthy lifestyles and help raise the university’s profile on the global stage.Awards and crests were presented to the first- second- and third-place finishers in both the men's and women's categories. Participants received T-shirts, finisher medals, certificates, individual photographs, food and drinking water. Medical assistance, transportation and security arrangements were also provided.Organisers said the marathon was aimed at promoting sports and physical fitness among young people, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity and social harmony. They also expressed their intention to continue organising similar events in the future.