DHAKA: Slogans of “Joy Bangla”, the 1971 liberation war slogan closely associated with the Awami League, echoed across central Dhaka as thousands of people gathered on Monday to pay their last respects to veteran party leader Tofail Ahmed, despite a ban on the Sheikh Hasina-led organisation. Tofail, an eight-time MP, former minister and one of the prominent faces of Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war, died at a hospital here at 3:30 pm on Monday. He was 82 years old.Many in Dhaka’s political circles believe that the gathering in Dhanmondi is not only a sign of the support Hasina has received, but also confirms talk that a “reformed or refined” Awami League could be formed.The crowd raised slogans in support of both Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former PM Hasina, who have been sentenced to death in absentia in crimes against humanity cases.Speculation about the possibility of the Awami League slowly gaining support began when a former advisor to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government recently claimed that the interim government’s minimal reforms, inaction on the oppression of minorities and “embrace” of the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami to control the BNP had “effectively” paved the way for the Awami League to return to the political arena of Bangladesh. Has given.Minority community minister Deepen Diwan resignsLess than four months into Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s administration, Dipen Diwan – one of two ministers from minority communities – resigned from the cabinet on Monday, citing health concerns.Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dewan – a Buddhist and a prominent tribal figure – said deteriorating health had made it difficult for him to carry out his responsibilities effectively.Nitai Roy Chowdhury – a Hindu – is the other minority community minister in the Rahman cabinet. He is the Minister of Cultural AffairsIn his resignation letter, Diwan (62) mentioned that his physical condition was hampering the regular execution of ministerial duties.