UK Wales Awami League Mourns Tofail Ahmed

The President of UK Wales Awami League, Mohammad Mokis Monsur, and its General Secretary, M A Malik, have expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Tofail Ahmed, one of Bangladesh's most distinguished political figures, a member of the Awami League Advisory Council, former minister, multiple-term Member of Parliament, hero of the 1969 Mass Uprising, and a valiant freedom fighter who played a significant role in Bangladesh's Liberation War.

In a joint statement, they conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and respectfully requested everyone to pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal peace to the departed soul and admits him to Jannah.

Meanwhile, the President of UK Wales Jubo League, VP Selim Ahmed, General Secretary Mofiqul Islam, and other leaders also expressed their heartfelt condolences on the death of the veteran politician.

In the condolence message, Mohammad Mokis Monsur, Chairman of UK BD TV and President of UK Wales Awami League, described Tofail Ahmed as a symbol of pride and honour for the nation.

He said:

"A remarkable chapter in Bangladesh's political history has come to an end. Tofail Ahmed's long and distinguished life was intertwined with some of the most defining moments of our national journey. From the turbulent days of the 1969 Mass Uprising to the historic occasion when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was bestowed with the title 'Bangabandhu' at the Racecourse Maidan, and later his leadership role within the Mujib Bahini during the Liberation War, his name will remain inseparable from the history of Bangladesh."

He added that Tofail Ahmed's wisdom, political foresight, organisational skills and steadfast commitment during some of the country's most challenging periods would continue to inspire future generations. His contribution to Bangladesh's independence struggle, democratic movements and political development, he said, would be remembered with enduring respect.

The statement further noted that the passing of a politician such as Tofail Ahmed represents more than the loss of an individual. It marks the end of a significant chapter in the nation's political history. From the 1969 Mass Uprising to numerous democratic movements, his role remained both influential and memorable.

UK BD TV also recalled that Tofail Ahmed had appeared on several of its live programmes over the years. During one such interview, he was asked what he considered the greatest achievement of his life among ministerial office, political power and public recognition.

His answer was simple:

"The privilege of being close to Bangabandhu."

Throughout his life, Tofail Ahmed remained a prominent figure in Bangladesh's national history. His contribution as a student leader during the Mass Uprising, his participation in the Liberation War, his close association with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and his later service as a parliamentarian and minister earned him widespread admiration across the country.

A Life Dedicated to Politics and Public Service

Tofail Ahmed, one of the principal organisers of both the 1969 Mass Uprising and the Liberation War, passed away on Monday, 1 June, at approximately 3:30 pm while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. He was 82 years old.

Born on 22 October 1943 in Koralia village of South Dighaldi Union, Bhola Sadar Upazila, Tofail Ahmed emerged as a prominent student leader during his years at the University of Dhaka. He served as Vice-President of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) from 1967 to 1969 and gained nationwide recognition through his leadership role in the historic Mass Uprising of 1969.

At the age of just 27, he was elected to Pakistan's National Assembly in the 1970 general election. Over the course of his political career, he was elected to Parliament nine times and served in ministerial positions on several occasions. Until his death, he remained a member of the Awami League Advisory Council.

On 23 February 1969, at a historic public reception organised by the All-Party Student Action Committee before a vast crowd at the Racecourse Maidan in Dhaka, Tofail Ahmed, then President of Bangladesh Chhatra League and DUCSU Vice-President, formally conferred the title "Bangabandhu" upon Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on behalf of the Bengali nation. The title would later become synonymous with Bangladesh's struggle for independence.

He also played a significant role during the crucial political developments surrounding Bangabandhu's historic 7 March 1971 speech, helping to organise and mobilise student activists during one of the most decisive periods in the country's history.

The life and legacy of Tofail Ahmed occupy a distinguished place in Bangladesh's political narrative. Through his leadership in the student movement, participation in the Liberation War, service as a close associate of Bangabandhu, and later contributions as a parliamentarian and minister, he became one of the most respected and recognisable figures in the country's public life.

EN/SA