By Naem Nizam
The name of Sirajul Alam Khan remains immortal in the pages of history alongside Tofail Ahmed, the hero of the 1969 Mass Upsurge. The two shared a deep and long-standing relationship, with its roots deeply embedded in the student movement of the 1960s. In fact, Sirajul Alam Khan played a significant behind-the-scenes role in Tofail Ahmed’s rise to leadership.
During the sixties, the student wing Chattra League was primarily divided into two factions. One was led by Sirajul Alam Khan, and the other by Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni. Tofail Ahmed was a close associate of Sirajul Alam Khan. Although differences in political ideologies and paths emerged after independence, their personal bond remained intact. They never allowed politics to interfere with their personal relationship.
I clearly remember an evening in 2017. Tofail Ahmed was the Commerce Minister at the time. While traveling from Bashundhara to Gulshan via Banani, I dropped by Tofail Ahmed’s residence without any prior notice. Just as I arrived, I saw a car driving out. The passenger looked familiar. I noticed Tofail Ahmed himself standing outside, seeing him off. Spotting me, he walked forward.
I said, “It looked like Dada (Sirajul Alam Khan).”
He replied, “Yes, you saw right. Siraj Bhai had come. His health isn’t doing well, and he is going abroad for treatment. He came to meet me before leaving. I always try to stand by him, especially when it comes to his medical treatment.”
He then added, “My relationship with Siraj Bhai goes back a long way. Siraj Bhai played a major role in building my closeness with Bangabandhu, as well as in DUCSU, Chattra League, and many other things.”
I responded, “You mentioned this on Channel i’s program ‘Tritiyo Matra’. I watched it. You’ve also told me this in several interviews. Dada also thinks very highly of you.”
With a smile, he said, “Speaking out back then turned out to be quite a ordeal. Many people didn’t like what I said on TV. Even so, the truth of history must be told.”
Reminiscing further, Tofail Ahmed said, “On that historic day in 1969, I stood up to speak as the VP of DUCSU before a gathering of millions. We were honoring the recently released Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Siraj Bhai handed me a piece of paper. It read—’Dear leader, you have spent the prime of your life in prison for the people of Bengal. You have fought for the rights of the people. You are the friend of the Bengali nation, the friend of Bengal, Bangabandhu.'”
The moment that title was uttered, the crowd of millions erupted in sheer joy. The slogan echoed from all corners: “Tomar amar thikana, Padma, Meghna, Jamuna” (Your address and mine, the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna).
Tofail Bhai further shared, “In the past, I used to meet Siraj Bhai at the Sheraton or visit his home. Politics today lacks that tolerance. Now, people are set after us, reports are filed, and stories are fabricated. What can I even say…”
With a hint of regret in his voice, he said, “Bangabandhu used to send money through me to the family of the imprisoned Shah Azizur Rahman. He even released Sabur Khan. And today, we can’t even maintain personal relationships! What kind of politics is this?”
Such was the bond between Tofail Ahmed and Sirajul Alam Khan—a unique testament to mutual respect, trust, and a lifelong connection that transcended political differences.
The Writer: Prominent Journalist