BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed spoke today at a prayer ceremony and food distribution among destitute held at Banani graveyard on the occasion of late Arafat Rahman Koko's 56th birth anniversary. Photo: BNP Media Cell

DHAKA, Aug 12, 2025 (BSS) - BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said late Arafat Rahman Koko, the youngest son of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, was martyred in the struggle for democracy.

"Arafat Rahman Koko's death was not natural. He was martyred in the democratic movement. His death was caused by the oppression of the Sheikh Hasina government," said Rizvi while speaking as the chief guest at a prayer ceremony and food distribution among destitute held at Banani graveyard on the occasion of Koko's 56th birth anniversary.

Rizvi said the fallen Awami League government is still strengthening fascism through various pretexts and conspiracies to undermine nationalist forces and target democratic rights.

He referred to political turmoil and violence since 1986, highlighting recent incidents including attacks on police in Chittagong amid rising tensions ahead of the national election.

He said conspirators of the defeated fascism are operating from abroad with the support of black money and illegal arms from a neighbouring country, aiming to create instability and controversy around the next general election.

Referring to the upcoming election, Rizvi said Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced the election time, and the Election Commission will soon declare the schedule. 

However, he warned that many are involved in conspiracies and are adopting various strategies to manipulate the election process.

"We fought for an ideal. To establish this ideal, our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman fought an uncompromising battle, inspiring the nation and encouraging leaders and workers to sacrifice," he said. 

He continued, "We did not care who stood on our right, left, front or back. Our independence and sovereignty were paramount. This is why the fascist Sheikh Hasina government fled on August 5 amid the turbulent movement of students and the public. Since then, attempts have been made to establish fascism through provocations."

BNP organizing secretary Sayedul Alam Babu, publicity secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, volunteer affairs secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP convener Aminul Haque, South BNP convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, executive committee member Mainul Islam, South BNP member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and North BNP's SM Jahangir Hossain, among others, were present.