A Star Dimmed: Mourning the Loss of Tofail Ahmed, Architect of Our History

Dr. Mostofa Sarwar : One of the brightest stars in Bangladesh’s history, the hero of the 1969 Mass Upsurge, and one of the chief organizers of the 1971 Great Liberation War, Tofail Ahmed, is no more. Yesterday, on June 1, 2026, he breathed his last at the age of 82 while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. He had been suffering from various age-related complications and heart disease for a long time. With his passing, a glorious era in Bangladesh’s political arena has come to an end.

Golden Days of Student Politics and Personal Memories

I knew Tofail Ahmed personally. During those vibrant days, I used to live in Dhaka University’s Mohsin Hall, and he lived just across Nilkhet Street—in the then Iqbal Hall (now Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall). I used to visit his dormitory room frequently, where I would also meet Serajul Alam Khan, another legendary student leader of that time. Those days of political discussions witnessed from up close, and the storms raised over cups of tea remain unblemished in my memory to this day.

From a Junior Student Leader to a Maker of History

Born on October 22, 1943, in the village of Koralia in Bhola, Tofail Ahmed became the centerpiece of student politics in East Pakistan during the sixties. Having obtained his master’s degree from the Department of Soil Science at Dhaka University, this leader led the historic Mass Upsurge of 1969 as the Vice President (VP) of DUCSU. I am a direct witness to his incomparable and robust leadership during those fiery, turbulent times of history.
As the closest associate of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on February 23, 1969, at the then Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan), he officially bestowed the title ‘Bangabandhu’ upon Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on behalf of the Bengali nation. I was there.

Role in the Liberation War and the Building of Independent Bangladesh

In the historic election of 1970, Tofail Ahmed created a sensation by being elected as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan at the young age of just 27. During the Great Liberation War of 1971, he was one of the key organizers and one of the four high commanders of the ‘Mujib Bahini’ (BLF). In the post-independence period, he served as the Political Secretary to the first Prime Minister of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A Long Parliamentary and Political Life

Throughout his long political career, Tofail Ahmed was elected as a Member of Parliament a total of 9 times. He served with great efficiency as the Minister of crucial ministries, such as the Ministry of Industries and Commerce, across various terms in the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Amidst all political ups and downs, he was always known as a brilliant and guardian-like figure. In 2021, he set a unique example by donating all of his personal property for public welfare and the assistance of underprivileged people.

Final Farewell and a Touch of Regret

Tofail Ahmed’s body will be taken to his long-time political constituency and birthplace, Bhola. He will be laid to rest in his family graveyard there following state honors and the funeral prayer (Janaza).

Personally, I had a quiet wish—if only he were buried in Dhaka, so that I could visit the grave of this great leader to pay my respects during my next visit to Dhaka. However, the soil of the motherland, especially the soil of his beloved Bhola, draws him into its eternal embrace today.

Various political, social, and cultural organizations of the country have expressed deep grief over his passing. His contribution will forever be written in letters of gold in the history of Bengali self-determination and independence, as well as in the memories of many people like us.

(Dr. Mostofa Sarwar is a Professor Emeritus and former Associate Provost & Director of the University Honors Program at the University of New Orleans and former Vice-Chancellor & Provost, Delgado Community College)