Ahmed Sofa’s remains moved after 25 years

The remains of renowned writer and thinker Ahmed Sofa have been transferred to the intellectuals’ section of the Mirpur Intellectuals’ Graveyard, nearly 25 years after his death.

Poet and essayist Sakhawat Tipu confirmed that the transfer was completed around noon on Wednesday.

Ahmed Sofa died on July 28, 2001. Tipu said the Mirpur Intellectuals’ Graveyard has separate sections, with one designated for general burials and another reserved for intellectuals and freedom fighters buried with state honours.

He said Sofa was buried in the general section in 2001 due to what he described as “political reasons”. His remains were later exhumed and transferred to the main section of the graveyard designated for intellectuals.

Earlier, Professor Salimullah Khan said the decision to deny Sofa burial in the intellectuals’ section was linked to the political situation at the time.

Speaking at the closing session of the “Ahmed Sofa Memorial Lecture 2026” at Bangla Academy last Saturday, Khan said Sofa faced humiliation even after his death while arrangements were being made for his burial.

He alleged that Sofa, who strongly opposed corruption and irregularities throughout his life, had to face obstacles even during his burial process.

Tipu said efforts to relocate Sofa’s remains began after the political changes of 2024, with Professor Salimullah Khan and several members of Sofa’s family playing roles in the initiative.