Khairul Basar wants to buy a horse for Manu Mia

At a time when headlines come and go, the story of a humble grave digger from Kishoreganj has touched hearts across the nation and beyond. 

Manu Mia, a 70-year-old grave digger from Mithamain upazila in Kishoreganj, has selflessly dug more than 3,000 graves over the past 50 years—never asking for money, never accepting tips. With nothing but his tools and his loyal horse, he would travel miles to ensure the deceased were given a dignified resting place.

But tragedy struck recently. Manu Mia, now bedridden in a hospital due to age-related complications, faced a devastating blow—someone killed his beloved horse, the very companion that had carried him to countless gravesites. His family, afraid the grief might be too much to bear, kept the news from him.

While most of the world moved on, one person did not forget: actor Khairul Basar.Deeply moved by a video report from The Daily Star, Basar took to social media and posted:"I want to buy a horse for Manu mia. In return, may Allah keep him alive until he digs my grave. I would be grateful if someone could help me get in touch with Manu mia."

These beautiful words resonated far and wide. Netizens flooded the post with support and admiration, hailing Basar not just as an actor, but as a man of compassion.

Among those touched was writer Debbrata Mukherjee, who shared the moving backstory of Manu Mia and praised Basar for his humanity:

"To Manu mia, the horse was like a child.

His family was even afraid to break the news to him—fearing he might not be able to bear the grief.

News about Manu mia's horse appeared in newspapers and magazines.

For a few days, people expressed their sorrow and outrage.

And then? A new issue came up. People forgot.

One person didn't forget—Khairul Basar.

Basar wrote: 'I want to buy a horse for Manu Mia. In return, may Allah keep him alive until he digs my grave.'

What powerful sentences—filled with grief, love, and dignity. That is not just an actor. That is a true hero."

Mukherjee went on to describe his own encounter with Manu Mia, calling him a "lifelong hero" and a symbol of moral strength in a society struggling for direction.

Moved by Mukherjee's words, Khairul Basar responded with humility:

"Please accept my sincerest love, Debbrata Mukherjee.

I am a very simple, very insignificant person. I'm trying to become an actor; I don't know how far I'll get.

Even my decision to pursue acting was inspired by people—and thoughts about people.

There's no subject more profound than human beings.

Why can't we all just be kind to one another?

Why so much conflict, so much cruelty?

I met a real hero in Manu mia.

He is not helpless—he is a source of strength.

In this directionless society, Manu mia comes as a beacon of hope."

Read more

Gravedigger Manu Mia’s beloved horse killed while he lies in hospital bed

The exchange between the two went viral, with thousands praising Basar's empathy and humanity. Many expressed hope that stories like Manu mia's will not only be remembered but will also inspire acts of kindness and solidarity.