BNP Observes 11th Death Anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko

The 11th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the youngest son of the late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, was observed on Saturday with religious solemnity across the country. 

Koko, a prominent sports organizer and younger brother of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, passed away on this day in 2015 while in exile in Malaysia.

Early this morning, senior BNP leaders, family members, and activists gathered at the Banani Graveyard in the capital to pay their respects. Led by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the leaders offered Fateha and placed wreaths at Koko’s grave. 

Other prominent figures, including Dhaka North City Unit BNP Convener Aminul Haque and leaders from various associate bodies, participated in the tribute. Throughout the morning, the graveyard premises hosted a Khatam-e-Quran program organized in his memory.

Speaking to the media at the graveside, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Koko’s untimely death was a direct consequence of the physical and mental hardships he endured following his arrest during the 2007 military-backed caretaker government and subsequent legal pressures under the Awami League administration. 

Koko was arrested alongside his mother on September 3, 2007, and was later released on bail in 2008 for medical treatment abroad. He lived in Thailand and Malaysia until his fatal cardiac arrest in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 45.

Beyond his political lineage, Koko is remembered for his significant impact on Bangladesh's sporting landscape. Born on August 12, 1969, he served on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) advisory council from 2003 to 2005 and led the Old DOHS Club.
 
His efforts in developing youth cricket and improving domestic tournament structures are widely recognized by the sports community.

The day’s observances included Milad and Doa Mahfils held at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, with additional prayer sessions scheduled for the afternoon at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. 

His funeral in 2015 remains a notable event in national memory, as his namaz-e-janaza in Dhaka was attended by one of the largest congregations of mourners in the country's history.