Police detained seven people during the namaz-e-janaza of veteran Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area this evening.

The incident took place in front of Taqwa Mosque, where the janaza was held after Tofail passed away earlier in the afternoon.

According to police and eyewitnesses, tension erupted around 7:15pm after the freezer van carrying Tofail’s body left the mosque premises for Square Hospital. Awami League leaders and activists, along with members of its associate organisations who had gathered nearby, began chanting slogans, including “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” and “Tofail bhai, bhoy nai, rajpoth chhari nai.”

Awami League’s activities remain banned.

Police officers dispersed the gathering, detaining several individuals on the spot.

When contacted, Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sheikh Jahidul Islam, told The Daily Star that a total of seven individuals had been detained so far.

Dhanmondi Zone Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jisanul Hoque said some individuals attempted to create disorder by obstructing the freezer van as it was being taken to the hospital. “Some of those who were creating chaos here have been detained,” the ADC said. “I cannot confirm the exact number at this moment.”

He added that police would verify the identities of those detained.