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Late sports organizer Arafat Rahman Koko. Photo: Representative
The 57th birth anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, prominent sports organizer and youngest son of BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, is being observed today, Wednesday, with due solemnity and respect. The younger brother of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was born into a distinguished political family on August 12, 1969.
To mark the occasion, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alongside its associate organizations has lined up various programs across the capital. Earlier in the day, senior party leaders and activists gathered at the Banani Graveyard in Dhaka to lay wreaths, offer Fateha, and pray for the salvation of his departed soul. Additionally, a discussion meeting accompanied by a special prayer session has been organized at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan.
Acknowledging his foundational contributions to domestic sports development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed through an official press release that a special Doa Mahfil will be hosted at the Media Center of Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur at 5:30 PM today.
Extremely modest and introverted by nature, Koko deliberately maintained a low profile, steering clear of mainstream political exposure despite his family's deep-rooted political legacy. Instead, he channeled his passion into revolutionizing domestic cricket. During his tenure with the BCB from 2002 to 2005, he played a vital role in keeping cricket free from partisan political influence and building sustainable infrastructure for aspiring young athletes.
Tragically, after enduring years of political persecution and living in exile, Koko passed away from cardiac arrest on January 24, 2015, while undergoing treatment in Malaysia. He is survived by his wife Sharmila Rahman and their two daughters, Zafiya Rahman and Zahiya Rahman.
