Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ The inaugural international classic car rally in Bangladesh, represented by the participating drivers of eight nations, was a remarkable event. The majority of them were exploring the nation for the first time and were awestruck by its beauty and the kindness of its people. The East Himalaya rally was deemed an exploration by its organizers. The rally featured 16 automobiles and two motorbikes from the 1950s and 1934 that traversed Bangladesh, Bhutan, and north-east India for more than three weeks.
Following a tricky and technical ride from Kolkata and a calm and pleasant journey through Bhutan, the drivers arrived in Bangladesh uncertain of what to expect. The car rally was given a warm welcome in Bangladesh, featuring a marching band, flowers, and coconut juice, along with local reporters and officials welcoming the rally. According to the drivers, it was a terrific welcome. It was the first event of its kind in Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh embassy assisted the Brussels-based organizers of the rally in obtaining special authorization to transport the automobiles into the nation.
Bruno Leunen from Destination Rally shared his experience. He said, “To be honest, Bangladesh was a real surprise. The country, its people, the roads… everything was not at all what people were expecting. It turned out to be an amazing journey through the country. A highlight for many”. The majority of participants visited Bangladesh for the first time and were surprised by the beauty of the villages and the warmth of the people who lined the highways and waved at passing vehicles. It was an unforgettable five-day journey before returning to Kolkata by crossing back into India.
The Destination Rally crew plans to return to Bangladesh in 2025. Bruno Leunen, who is also the rally director, manages the Belgian collective group that organizes the rally. It explores unique and picturesque sites for its vintage automobiles, with the assistance of mechanics who try to get the antique cars back on the road in the event of a breakdown. Destination Rally has organized numerous road trips across many Asian and South American nations. The group also plans to organize future rallies across South India, Sri Lanka, Africa, and New Zealand.
