Rajshahi: The 'Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Football Tournament 2026' was held today at the Shiroil Colony School ground in Rajshahi Metropolitan City. Shiroil Colony Jubo Samaj hosted the day-long tournament, which saw enthusiastic participation from various teams.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, SM Trading emerged victorious in the final match, defeating Arafat Rahman Koko Smriti Parishad to clinch the championship title. The event was attended by Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, who distributed prizes among the players of both the champion and runner-up teams.
Addressing the gathering, Riton emphasized that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has initiated measures to motivate youths to pursue sports as a professional career. He also highlighted efforts such as the construction of playgrounds and the organization of sports events to promote sports development in Rajshahi.
Riton noted that the development of sports can play a crucial role in keeping young people away from drugs and preventing social degradation. Additionally, he addressed the ongoing dengue outbreak and called for collective efforts to tackle the mosquito-borne disease.
The RCC administrator announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a nationwide three-month-long program tomorrow aimed at combating the dengue outbreak. The event was presided over by Monirul Islam Jony, Member Secretary of Chandrima Thana BNP, and featured special guests including former Commissioner of Ward No. 19 and former President of Shah Makhdum Thana BNP Moniruzzaman Sharif, Convener of Chandrima Thana BNP Faizul Haque Fahim, and social worker Wasim Khan.