Tofail Ahmed, a key figure in the mass uprising of 1969 and an organiser of the Liberation War, was laid to rest in his ancestral village in Bhola today.

The veteran Awami League leader was buried in the family graveyard beside his mother Fatema Begum in Koralia village under South Dighaldi union in Bhola's Sadar upazila following a namaz e-janaza after Zuhr prayer, reports our correspondent from the spot.

Thousands of grieving residents of Bhola bid a tearful farewell to the former commerce minister.

Earlier, a helicopter carrying his body arrived at the Bhola helipad around 1:30pm today, drawing thousands of people who gathered to catch a final glimpse of the leader widely regarded as Bhola's most prominent political figure.

His body was later taken to the Bhola Government High School ground, where a namaza-e-janaza was held. People from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, attended the janaza to pay their last respects. He was given a guard of honour there before the janaza.

Following the namaz-e-janaza in Bhola town, his body was taken to Koralia village under South Dighaldi union, where a final janaza was held. Relatives, villagers and admirers joined the prayer.

Many mourners described him as a "leader of the soil and the people" and recalled his lifelong dedication to the development of Bhola. Several attendees were seen in tears as they paid their final respects.

Security personnel, along with activists from various political organisations, were seen stationed at different points during the funeral proceedings.

Tofail Ahmed passed away at around 3:30pm on Monday while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. His first funeral prayer was held after Maghrib prayers at Takwa Mosque in Dhanmondi, attended by leaders of different political parties, former ministers, distinguished citizens and members of the public.