DHAKA, June 1, 2026 — Several people were detained by police on Monday evening after chanting “Joy Bangla” slogans following the first funeral prayer (janaza) of veteran Awami League leader and former minister Tofail Ahmed at Masjid-ut-Taqwa in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area.
According to police, supporters began chanting slogans and marching shortly after the funeral prayer concluded at around 7:15 p.m. Law enforcement personnel intervened, dispersed the gathering, and detained between 10 and 15 individuals.
Confirming the incident, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of DMP’s Ramna Division, Dhanmondi Zone, Jisanul Haque, said police had ensured the smooth movement of the hearse carrying Ahmed’s body and took action against those who created disorder.
“We arranged for the hearse to proceed smoothly. A number of individuals who created disturbances were detained. The exact number is being verified,” he said.
When asked whether the detainees were members of the Awami League, the police official stated that those involved in creating disorder could not be identified by political affiliation alone. He added that anyone found not to be involved in the incident would be released after verification.
Tofail Ahmed, a prominent organizer of the 1969 Mass Uprising and the Bangladesh Liberation War, died on Monday afternoon while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. He was 81.
His next funeral prayer is scheduled to be held on Tuesday in his hometown in Bhola, where he will be laid to rest.
