Activists held following ‘Joy Bangla’ chants after Tofail Ahmed’s janaza

The first funeral of senior Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed was held at Masjid-ut-Taqwa in the capital's Dhanmondi. After the funeral, the leaders and activists took out a procession with the slogan 'Joy Bangla', but the police lathi-charged them and dispersed them and detained 10 to 15 people.

The incident took place around 7:15pm on Monday (June 1). The identities of the detainees could not be immediately confirmed.

The detention was confirmed by Jisanul Haque, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADC) of Dhanmondi Zone, Ramna Division of DMP. He said, "We have made arrangements so that the funeral vehicle can pass without any hindrance on time. Some of those who created chaos have been detained. I cannot say the number at the moment, it will be verified and announced.’

When asked whether the detainees were Awami League leaders or activists, he said, ‘The troublemakers cannot have any political identity. However, if there is a commoner among the detainees, they will be released.’

It is worth noting that Tofail Ahmed died while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital at 3:30pm today. The next funeral will be held at his village house in Bhola on Tuesday.