Published: 12:20 AM, 13 August 2026
Koko had to sacrifice his life amid fascist oppression: Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said Arafat Rahman Koko had to sacrifice his life amid severe fascist repression, alleging that the fascist government systematically harassed the family of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
"The convicted fugitive Sheikh Hasina harassed the family of the proclaimer of independence Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in various ways.
The fascist government attempted to systematically destroy Zia's successors precisely because they belonged to a family of freedom fighters," Rizvi said.
He made the remarks after paying tribute to the grave of Arafat Rahman Koko, late sports organiser and youngest son of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at Banani graveyard on Wednesday, marking Koko's 57th birth anniversary. Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina could never accept the patriotism of the Zia family. 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 of the party's associate and affiliated organizations were present. Arafat Rahman Koko, younger brother of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was born on August 12, 1969. Known for his simple and introverted lifestyle, he largely remained away from the limelight despite making significant contributions to Bangladesh's sports sector.
During his tenure with the Bangladesh Cricket Board from 2002 to 2005, Koko played a significant role in taking initiatives to keep cricket free from political influence and contributed to the multifaceted development of the country's sports sector.
