Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser, stated that Arafat Rahman Koko was not a politician but a dedicated sports organizer who contributed significantly to the development of sports in Bangladesh. Rizvi made these remarks while paying respects at Koko’s grave in Banani graveyard on his birth anniversary.
Rizvi highlighted that Koko, the younger son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, was not involved in politics. Instead, he focused on sports development. Rizvi also called on the government to create opportunities for sportspersons to earn their livelihoods from sports.
Recalling Koko’s death, Rizvi described the circumstances as extremely tragic, especially noting that Khaleda Zia was under detention and suffered an eye injury at the time. He criticized the actions taken against the Zia family and accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to erase their legacy.
Rizvi expressed hope that Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque, who attended the event, would complete sports-related initiatives. He also criticized other political parties for their differing interpretations of the history of the Liberation War and alleged attempts to undermine its significance.
The event was attended by several BNP leaders, including Dhaka North City BNP Convener Aminul Haque, Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman, and Joint Convener and lawmaker S M Jahangir, among others.
