Gravedigger in hospital bed
As soon as he hears the news of someone's death, he rushes to the graveyard on horseback with his required tools. Like a special companion on the final journey of a person, the 67-year-old extends his sincere hands. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, the faithful companion of gravedigger Manu Mia was killed yesterday, while Manu himself remains hospitalised, battling for his life.
The 65-year-old Manu Mia, a familiar figure in the community for over four decades, has long been known for his humble service digging graves and transporting bodies in his modest wooden cart, drawn by his beloved horse, Shonar Pakhi. Residents say the bond between Manu and the gentle brown mare was unlike any they had seen—a relationship forged through hardship, routine, and deep affection. Manu was admitted to the hospital last week following complications from a respiratory illness. “He kept asking about the horse even from the hospital bed,” said his nephew, Rafique Mia. “He didn’t want her left alone.” Tragedy struck yesterday morning when Shonar Pakhi was struck and fatally injured by a speeding motorbike near the village graveyard. Witnesses said the horse had broken loose from her makeshift rope tether and was calmly walking toward the graveyard entrance, perhaps out of instinct.
“She was not just a horse; she was family,” said Rahima Begum, a long-time neighbour. “That animal had pulled hundreds of funeral carts, always steady, always calm. To see her die like this, without her owner even knowing yet—it’s just too much.” The rider of the motorbike fled the scene, and police say they are investigating the hit-and-run incident. So far, no arrests have been made. News of the horse’s death has not yet been shared with Manu, who remains in critical but stable condition. Family members are struggling with how to break the devastating news.
Locals have expressed shock and sorrow, with many calling for better enforcement of road safety rules in the area. A small vigil was held near the graveyard last night, where residents lit candles and shared memories of the old gravedigger and his loyal horse. “Manu Mia’s work was never glamorous, but he did it with dignity,” said Abdul Karim, a community elder. “Now, while he fights for his life, he has lost the only creature who stood by him through every sorrowful journey. It’s a tragic chapter in a quiet man’s life.”
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A major new international study has found a strong link between excessive screen time and mental health challenges in adolescents, including rising rates of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The report, published by the Global Youth Wellness Foundation (GYWF), surveyed 72,000 teenagers aged 13 to 19 across 20 countries, including Bangladesh, the U.S., UK, and Japan. The study revealed that teenagers who spend more than 4 hours a day on social media or smartphones are twice as likely to report symptoms of poor sleep quality, mood swings, and lack of motivation. Digital Overload and the "Always-On" Culture "Teens today are exposed to a constant stream of notifications, comparisons, and content that overstimulates the brain," said Dr. Nafisa Chowdhury, lead researcher on the Bangladesh team. “It disrupts their sleep cycles, reduces face-to-face interactions, and fuels self-esteem issues.” Many teens reported checking their phones immediately before sleeping and even waking up at night to respond to messages or scroll through TikTok and Instagram. Mental Health Crisis in the Digital Age The study found: 34% of respondents reported signs of clinical depression 41% had trouble sleeping more than 3 nights a week 29% felt "chronically anxious" or socially disconnected Girls were more likely to report emotional distress linked to social media use In Dhaka, psychologists at private clinics say they’ve seen a threefold increase in teen patients over the past two years. What Experts Recommend Digital curfews: No screens 1 hour before bed App timers: Set daily limits for entertainment/social platforms Offline time: Encourage outdoor activities or family meals Mental health education: Include digital wellness in school curriculum Government Initiatives Underway In response to the growing concern, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education is working with health officials to launch a "Safe Screens" campaign in schools, promoting healthy digital habits and offering workshops for both students and parents. “This is a national issue, and we must protect our next generation,” said Dr. Mostafa Kamal, advisor to the National Adolescent Health Program.
In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed a concerning surge in lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity. Health experts and medical professionals are sounding the alarm as these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming increasingly common among people of all ages, especially in urban areas. The trend indicates a significant shift in the nation’s health landscape, which once was more focused on communicable diseases and infections. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and several health studies, one in every three adults is at risk of developing high blood pressure, while diabetes is affecting both middle-aged and younger individuals at an alarming rate. Cardiovascular diseases are now one of the leading causes of premature death in the country. Doctors say this shift is largely driven by rapid urbanization, poor lifestyle choices, and lack of health education. The root causes of this growing health threat are deeply linked to changing lifestyles. Fast food consumption has increased dramatically in the past decade, especially among the youth. Fried items, sugary drinks, and processed snacks have replaced home-cooked meals for many people. At the same time, physical activity has decreased due to technology-driven work and entertainment habits. Office workers spend long hours sitting, children prefer mobile games over outdoor play, and people generally avoid walking even short distances. Stress is another major factor contributing to lifestyle diseases. Busy work schedules, financial pressure, and social expectations are leading to sleep disorders and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, mental health remains a less talked-about topic in our society, leaving many people untreated and unaware of the connection between stress and physical illness. Doctors are urging people to adopt preventive measures rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. These measures include eating a healthy, balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; drinking sufficient water; avoiding excessive sugar and salt; and engaging in regular physical activities such as walking, yoga, or exercise. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is also highly recommended. Health campaigns and educational programs are essential to raise awareness across all sections of society. Experts suggest that schools should introduce health and nutrition education from an early stage. Workplaces should encourage short breaks, offer healthy snacks, and promote mental wellness. Government healthcare centers can also play a key role by organizing regular health check-up camps and offering guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The government has taken some steps, including launching awareness drives and strengthening non-communicable disease units in hospitals. However, more action is needed to reach rural populations and lower-income groups who often have less access to healthcare and information. The rise of lifestyle diseases is not just a medical issue—it’s a social, economic, and national concern. If left unaddressed, it could burden families with high treatment costs, reduce workforce productivity, and increase pressure on the already strained healthcare system. Public health specialists are warning that Bangladesh could face a serious health crisis in the next two decades if preventive steps are not taken now. The message is clear: small daily changes like eating nutritious food, staying physically active, reducing screen time, and managing stress can have a huge impact on long-term health. Now is the time to act, before these silent diseases take a louder toll on our lives.
