Dhaka: BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today stated that Arafat Rahman Koko sacrificed his life amid severe fascist repression. Rizvi accused the government of systematically harassing the family of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi claimed that the convicted fugitive Sheikh Hasina harassed the family of the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, in multiple ways. He alleged that the fascist government aimed to systematically dismantle Zia’s legacy due to their association with a family of freedom fighters.
Rizvi made these remarks while paying tribute at the grave of Arafat Rahman Koko, the late sports organiser and youngest son of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The tribute took place at Banani graveyard in observance of Koko’s 57th birth anniversary.
He further stated that Sheikh Hasina could never accept the patriotism of the Zia family. The gathering included BNP Sports Affairs Secretary and State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Dhaka North City BNP Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman, BNP lawmaker Jahangir, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Kaiyum Chowdhury, and leaders from the party’s associate and affiliated organizations.
Arafat Rahman Koko, born on August 12, 1969, was the younger brother of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Despite his significant contributions to Bangladesh’s sports sector, Koko maintained a low profile. During his time with the Bangladesh Cricket Board from 2002 to 2005, he initiated efforts to keep cricket free from political influence and contributed to the development of the country’s sports sector.