KISHOREGANJ, June 28 (UNB): A quiet corner of the country mourns the passing of a man, Manu Mia, whose life was marked not by worldly wealth, but by an unwavering devotion to service.
Md Manu Mia of Algapara village in Joysiddhi Union, Itna upazila, Kishoreganj, revered across the district as 'Shesh Thikanar Karigor' or 'The Artisan of the Final Resting Place', breathed his last at 10:30am on Saturday at his home, leaving behind a legacy of selfless love and rare humility.
Joyasiddhi Union Parishad's Panel Chairman Md Bahauddin Thakur confirmed the news of his death, describing the moment as one that plunged the entire community into mourning.
For nearly five decades, Manu Mia quietly performed one of the most solemn acts of human kindness-digging graves for the dead, often for strangers, never asking for money. Over 3,000 final resting places were prepared by his own hands, a service rendered without payment or complaint.
In villages near and far, he became a familiar figure, riding his beloved horse to the homes of the bereaved. He had once sold his shop to buy that horse, understanding that his calling required more than just intention as it needed movement and swift presence.
"He was not just a grave digger, he was a symbol of humanity," said local resident Advocate Sheikh Mohammad Rokon Reza.
Reza recalled visiting Manu Mia in hospital recently after he had fallen seriously ill. "At the time, some people offered to gift him a new horse to replace the one he had lost. But he refused. He told me, 'I do this only to please Allah. I never want to take anything from people'."
It was during his
time in hospital that tragedy struck. Unidentified miscreants
killed his cherished companion, the horse that had been by his side for years. The loss left him heartbroken and deeply shaken.
