Published: 12:14 AM, 03 June 2026
Tofail Ahmed laid to rest at family graveyard in Bhola
Veteran Awami League leader, former industries and commerce minister, and one of the key organizers of the 1969 Mass Uprising and Bangladesh's Liberation War, Tofail Ahmed was laid to rest at his family graveyard in Koralia village under Dakshin Dighaldi Union of Bhola Sadar Upazila following his namaz-e-janaza on Tuesday.
The last janaza took place after Zuhr prayers at the Bhola Government High School ground, where leaders, activists, supporters from various political parties, and thousands of local residents gathered to pay their final respects.
His brother-in-law, Alamgir Talukdar, said the veteran politician's body was flown to Bhola by helicopter on Tuesday morning.
"After the janaza at Bhola Government High School ground following Zuhr prayers, he was buried at the family graveyard beside his parents in his ancestral village of Koralia. He has been laid to rest next to his father and mother, as he had wished," Talukdar said.
People began gathering at the school ground from around noon to attend the janaza. Many were seen reminiscing about Tofail Ahmed's long political career and discussing his contributions to the development of Bhola.
Residents recalled his deep attachment to the district and highlighted his role in advancing various development initiatives over the years.
Seeking anonymity, a resident of Bhola Sadar said, Tofail Ahmed consistently encouraged lawmakers elected from Bhola to prioritize the district's development during the tenure of the Awami League government.
"Before his death, he had expressed a desire to be buried beside his parents at his village home. That final wish has now been fulfilled," the resident said.
Among those attending the janaza was Bhola District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nur Mohammad Rubel, who said members of the organization helped ensure the janaza was conducted peacefully and with due respect.
The first Namaz-e-Janaza of the Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed was held at Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi, Dhaka after Maghrib prayers on Monday, with family members and close relatives and well-wishers in attendance.
He passed away at around 3:30 pm while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in the capital.
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.
He 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.
