Bhola prepares for burial of veteran politician Tofail Ahmed

Veteran politician, one of the key organizers of the Liberation War, former Minister for Industries and Commerce, and nine-time Member of Parliament Tofail Ahmed will be laid to rest today, Tuesday, in his birthplace Bhola.

Preparations for his burial began early this morning at his ancestral home in Koralia village, under South Dighaldi Union in Bhola Sadar Upazila. The village—where he spent his childhood and teenage years—has seen a steady flow of people from all walks of life since morning. Many have become emotional as they gathered to pay their final respects.

According to family and party sources, his body will be brought to Bhola by helicopter in the afternoon under family arrangements. A second funeral prayer (janaza) will be held at Bhola Government High School ground after Zuhr prayer, around 2:00 PM. The first janaza was held yesterday evening at Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

After the second janaza, the body will be taken to his native village Koralia, where a third funeral prayer will be held at the local mosque premises. He will then be buried in the family graveyard beside his parents.

Local residents said Tofail Ahmed was not only a politician but also a symbol of hope and aspirations for the people of Bhola. His passing has created an irreplaceable void in the district’s political and social landscape.

Born on 22 October 1943 in Koralia village of Bhola, he became involved in politics during his student years. He gained national prominence for his key role in the 1969 mass uprising. As a close associate of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he played an important role in the independence movement and the country’s political history.

In the 1970 elections, he was elected as a Member of the Pakistan National Assembly from the Daulatkhan–Tazumuddin–Monpura constituency in Bhola at just 27 years of age. Over his long political career, he served as a minister several times. He most recently served as a member of the Awami League Advisory Council.