For 66 years, Mohammad Ali rose early, braving the sun, rain and storms to deliver newspapers to readers in Jhenaidah town.

His familiar face was a regular sight on the streets as he carried the day's news to people's doorsteps while the town was still asleep.

That long journey came to an end on Saturday when Ali, regarded as Jhenaidah's oldest newspaper hawker, died at his residence ai Kalikapur village under Jhenaidah Municipality at 4pm. He was 90.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, along with relatives, colleagues and many well-wishers.

Born in 1936, Ali began distributing newspapers in 1960 under the guidance of Mahbubur Rahman, the town's first newspaper agent. At a time when newspaper distribution was taking shape in Jhenaidah, he became part of a profession that connected people with news and information.

Over the next six decades, he remained committed to his work, continuing to sell and distribute newspapers until the end of his life.

Those who knew him said Ali earned people's respect through his honesty, punctuality and friendly manner. Despite facing financial hardship throughout his life, he remained dedicated to his profession and was held in high regard by newspaper readers and fellow hawkers.

Abdul Wahed, a leader of the Jhenaidah Newspaper Multipurpose Cooperative Society, expressed deep sorrow following his demise.

Mizanur Rahman Badsha and Hafizur Rahman, leaders of the Jhenaidah Hawkers' Association, also mourned his death.

The Jhenaidah Press Club President Asif Iqbal Makhon, General Secretary Aminul Islam Liton and former President Asif Kazal, also expressed their deep condolences.

Describing Ali as a guardian figure in the town's newspaper industry, the journalist leaders said he was more than a newspaper distributor.

 “Mohammad Ali was a living witness to the history of mass media in Jhenaidah. For 66 long years, braving sun and rain, he served as a bridge between newspapers and their readers. His honesty and dedication to his work will forever remain an example for us to emulate,” they said.

Ali's namaz-e-janaza was held at the Kalikapur Jame Mosque premises on Saturday after Isha prayers.

He was later buried at the Kalikapur graveyard in the presence of family members, colleagues and prominent local figures.

For generations of readers in Jhenaidah, Ali's daily newspaper deliveries were a familiar part of life. His death marks the end of a 66-year journey in a profession through which he helped keep the town connected to the world beyond its streets.