The 10th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, is being observed today with due respect and solemnity.
The BNP and its associate organizations have organized various programmes to honor his memory. The observances began with a doa mahfil at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 11 am, praying for Koko's eternal peace. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, along with senior leaders from central, metropolitan, and affiliated organizations, attended the event, according to BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.
A Quran recitation and prayer session were held earlier at 10 am at Banani Graveyard, where party leaders placed wreaths at Koko's grave and offered fateha. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and other central leaders were present at the programme.
Another doa mahfil is scheduled at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office after Asr prayers at 4:30 pm, with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, standing committee members, and other central leaders in attendance.
The BNP's UK chapter has also organized a doa mahfil at Brick Lane Mosque in London after Asr prayers, as confirmed by Shairul Kabir Khan.
In addition, various associate and professional bodies, as well as city and district units of the BNP, are marking the day with discussions and prayer sessions across the country.
Arafat Rahman Koko passed away from cardiac arrest on January 24, 2015, at the age of 45 in Malaysia. His body was brought back to Bangladesh on January 27 and laid to rest at Banani Graveyard.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
