Md. Manik Mia

Manik Mia was born in 1988 in the village of Ghagatpara, under Kotwali police station in Rangpur district, to Sekendar Ali. He was the second child among four brothers and sisters in a poor family. Born into poverty, where daily struggles were common and basic needs were often unmet, the idea of education was like a distant dream for the family.
Details of Martyrdom
Manik Mia, who completed only the fifth grade, worked as a laborer in other people's houses and in the fields since his childhood. He took on the responsibility of his family at a young age, following his father’s prolonged illness. From the age of 20, he worked as the primary breadwinner for his family. When he earned, food was available for everyone, but when he did not, there were days they went hungry. He lived in a small tin-roofed house with his mother, wife, and 17-month-old son. He bore the cost of his sick mother's treatment, and supported his family with the little income he earned from a small tea shop and an auto-rickshaw.
His family lived in a dilapidated house with an earthen floor and old, rusted tin walls. Whenever it rained, the house would get flooded. Following his untimely death, the family’s livelihood has been threatened, leaving them in confusion and despair.
The Day of Martyrdom
Although Manik Mia couldn’t study much, he was well aware of the difference between right and wrong. He opposed corrupt, inhumane forces, including political groups and police who had no regard for humanity. He actively supported the student movement, especially against the ruling party's repression. On July 18, 2024, during the ongoing student protests across the country, he went to his tea shop in the morning. After learning about the injuries to students in the protests, he closed his shop and went to assist them, buying water and saline to help the wounded.
At around 2:00 PM, he was affected by police tear gas and returned home for a brief rest. However, he could not stay away from the protests and rejoined the march. As tensions escalated, the police began firing shots at the protesters. According to eyewitnesses, he was shot around 5:30 PM near the Fatima Cold Storage in front of Rangpur Model College. The bullet pierced his lungs, and he was rushed to the hospital. He died at approximately 6:30 PM.
Family Situation
Manik Mia's family, consisting of his 17-month-old son, wife, and mother, is now struggling in severe hardship. With Manik Mia being the sole earner, his sudden death has devastated the family, leaving them uncertain about what to do next.
Statements from the Local People
Manik Mia was a devout Muslim and always helped others in need. He was the first to run to assist anyone facing problems in the village. Despite his own financial struggles, he was always ahead in helping the poor and downtrodden. He played an active role in funeral rites, helping to wash, shroud, and bury the deceased in his village.
At a Glance: Shaheed Manik Mia
Full Name: Md. Shaheed Manik Mia
Father: Md. (Late) Sekendar Ali
Mother: Mst. Noor Jahan
Date of Birth: August 1, 1998
Permanent Address: Village: Ghaghotpara, Union: Rangpur City Corporation, Thana: Kotwali, District: Rangpur
Current Address: Village: Ghaghotpara, Union: Rangpur City Corporation, Thana: Kotwali, District: Rangpur
Occupation: Tea shop owner
Educational Qualification: Completed 5th grade
Marital Status: Married
Wife: Munni Akter (26), Homemaker
Child: Minhajul Islam Siam, 17 months old
Place & Time of Attack: In front of Fatema Cold Storage near Rangpur Model College, on July 18, 2024, at 5:30 PM
Place & Time of Martyrdom: Rangpur Medical College Hospital, on July 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Assailant: Police
Location of Shaheed’s Grave: Family graveyard in his hometown