The first Namaz-e-Janaza of veteran Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed, one of the key organisers of the 1969 mass uprising and theLiberation War, and a former minister, was held at Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
The janaza was held after Maghrib prayers on Monday, with family members and close relatives and well-wishers in attendance.
Earlier, he passed away at around 3:30 pm while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in the capital.
His younger brother-in-law, Dr Belayet Hossain Molla, said that following the janaza, the body would be kept at the mortuary of Square Hospital. It will be taken to Bhola on Tuesday morning, where three separate Namaz-e-Janaza prayers are scheduled to be held. He will later be laid to rest beside his parents’ graves.
Speaking on the occasion, former general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Ruhin Hossain Prince said, “We must always remember Tofail Ahmed’s contributions to politics, the Liberation War, and independence. His courageous footsteps will continue to inspire us. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul. As long as Bangladesh exists, Tofail Ahmed will live on in people’s hearts.”
He further said, “His passing is an immense loss. Although he was ill, we still had a sense of reassurance that our leader was among us. Now he is gone, but his inspiration, legacy, sacrifice, and courage must guide the nation forward.”
Ahmed was a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political history and played a significant role in the country’s democratic movements and the struggle for independence.
He had been suffering from several age-related health complications for a long time. He was admitted to Square Hospital in critical condition on September 28 and had remained on life support since then.
On the day of his hospitalization, rumors of his death spread widely on social media. However, doctors later dismissed the claims and clarified his condition.
Tofail Ahmed served as a member of Bangladesh’s Parliament nine times, most recently representing the Bhola-1 constituency. He was also a longtime member of the Presidium of the Bangladesh Awami League.
Tofail Ahmed was born on October 22, 1943 in Koralia village of South Dighaldi union under Bhola Sadar Upazila. He was the son of Maulvi Azhar Ali and Fatema Begum. He is survived by his only daughter Dr Taslima Ahmed Zaman Munni.
