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Few individuals leave behind a legacy marked by the rare convergence of leadership, selflessness, intellect, and reform. My grandfather, the late Md. Abdul Mannan Mia of Bhairab, Kishoreganj, was one such exceptional figure. A lifelong activist, he was a student leader during the Quit India Movement, a committed politician, a social reformer, a devoted public servant, and a passionate advocate of education.
Early Life and Education
Md. Abdul Mannan Mia was born in January 10, 1911 into a respected business family in Bhairabpur Dakshinpara, within the then Mymensingh district. His father was Abdul Gafur Mia. He received his early education at Bhairab High School—now known as Bhairab Government K.B. Pilot Model High School. After completing his matriculation, he went on to study at Comilla Victoria College, earning his Intermediate in Arts (IA), and later obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Islamia College in Kolkata, which is now known as Maulana Azad College.
It was during his college years in Kolkata that he developed a bond with a younger fellow student from Tungipara, Gopalganj—Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who would go on to become the founding leader and the first President of Bangladesh. In those formative years, my grandfather served as a mentor to inspire Sheikh Mujib, who often sought his guidance and prayers in the anti-British student political arena.
A Life of Political and Social Commitment
Grandfather’s political career was rooted in the anti-colonial movement for Indian independence. For over 15 years, he remained a steadfast member of the All India Muslim League. From 1933 to 1944, he served on its Central Council. Between 1936 and 1942, he held leadership positions in the Bengal Provincial Muslim Students’ League as a member of its Executive Committee and later as Vice President of its Central Council. Additionally, he was active in the All India Muslim Students Federation from 1937 to 1940 and was a Central Council member of the Bengal Provincial Muslim League from 1936 to 1944.
Service and Business Leadership
In 1944, he entered government service, beginning his career as the Public Relations Officer for Mymensingh district. Over the years, he also served in Jessore and Comilla. In 1958, he voluntarily resigned from government service and returned to his hometown, Bhairab. There, he channeled his efforts into local development, founding two commercial enterprises: Bhairab Electric Supply and Industrial Development Company Ltd. and Kishoreganj Electric Supply Company.
A Champion of Education and Social Reform
My grandfather’s dedication to education began as early as 1927, when he launched a night school for women—an act of remarkable progressiveness for that era. His efforts to establish higher education institutions were tireless. In 1945, he began lobbying the government to establish Hazi Asmat College in Bhairab. He was also a key figure in founding Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madrasa in Kamalpur, Bhairab, showing his inclusive support for both general and religious education.
Personal Life and Legacy
He was the proud father of one son and eight daughters. On April 16, 2001, he passed away, leaving behind a loving family that included two surviving daughters and twenty grandchildren. I am honored to be one of them.
To me, he was more than just a historical figure; he was a living symbol of dedication, courage, and compassion. Through this tribute, I hope to preserve his memory and share his legacy with future generations of our family—and with anyone who believes that a single life, lived with integrity and purpose, can shape the course of a community.