Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the death of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, was the result of what he described as years of political repression and misrule. He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a prayer meeting at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, organised to mark the 11th anniversary of Koko’s death.
Rizvi said Arafat Rahman Koko was not involved in active politics and was instead known as a sports organiser but claimed his death was linked to sustained political pressure. He alleged that Koko died prematurely due to what he called combined oppression and torture carried out during a period of authoritarian governance.
Recalling events surrounding Koko’s death, Rizvi said BNP leaders and activists were facing police cases when his body was returned to Bangladesh. He said the public had witnessed Begum Khaleda Zia holding her deceased son on television, while legal cases were filed against BNP leaders, activists and prominent citizens who went to offer condolences, including academics, doctors and intellectuals.
Rizvi also addressed the upcoming national election, reiterating the BNP’s demand for a free and fair vote. He said the party was committed to ensuring that a government is formed through the genuine mandate of the people and claimed that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman was conducting political activities in accordance with electoral laws.
He added that the party leadership was maintaining discipline during the election period, saying Tarique Rahman had so far refrained from using abusive language against political opponents. Rizvi said religion and financial inducements should not be used to influence voters, in line with the election code of conduct.
Leaders and activists from different levels of the BNP and its affiliated organisations were present at the prayer meeting.
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