Tuesday
28 January, 2025
News Flash
News Flash
DHAKA, Jan 27, 2025 (BSS) - The real reason of the death of Arafat Rahman, the youngest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Premier Begum Khaleda Zia, will be unearthed, said BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a doa mahfil organized by Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Trust at a restaurant in East London on Sunday evening (London time).
Arafat Rahman was physically and mentally tortured, Dr Zahid, also Khaleda Zia's personal physician, said.
He said, "Koko's death could not be attributed to natural cause. We are trying to find out the mystery behind it. We will always try on behalf of BNP to expose those to trial if their involvement in Koko's death is found".
Mentioning that Arafat Rahman was not a political figure, the BNP leader said he was a talented person in the field of sports.
Due to his organizational skills, Bangladesh cricket reached a dignified level all over the world today, he said, adding if the credit of flourishing cricket is given to anyone other than him, it will be a distortion history.
He also expressed his gratitude to the common people of the UK as they have shown sincerity towards the Zia family during the long 15 and a half year.
Dr. Zahid also said many people are here who heard with their own ears that, 'I am Major Zia speaking'.
"Many of us heard it on 26 and 27 March 1971. So those of us who heard it knew that those who fled were supposed to declare the country's independence but they didn't do it rather they fled and some others surrendered," he said.
He also said the man who didn’t think about his two minor children's future and showed his endless love towards the motherland by participating into battle with arms is Ziaur Rahman.
An announcement was made in Chattogram and the first sector commanders' meeting was held in Sylhet, under the leadership of General MAG Osmani as Ziaur Rahman became the first Sector Commander, he said.
Again, Z Force was formed there, and Ziaur Rahman was also its commander, he said, adding so, BNP feels proud of its founder.
Dr. Zahid said Ziaur Rahman is the man who freed the people of this country from uncertainty on November 7.
"There was no BNP then, there was no affiliated organization. But people had faith in him that he could be given responsibility and the country's independence and sovereignty would remain intact 'under him'," he said.
He also said Ziaur Rahman did not come to power himself rather the people and sepoys put him in power.
"Even after that, he held a referendum. He was in power then with the mandate of the people. In just 4 and half year’s tenure, he reached the country into a dignified position. So, those who talk about Ziaur Rahman, they should first look at their own face in the mirror," he said.
Dr Zahid said if the proclamation of independence had not been declared and if the Liberation War had not take place, then neither people would have seen the 1990 movement, nor 2024 July uprising.
"Today's Bangladesh is built on the sacrifices of many people. Just as we will not forget Abu Sayeed, we will not forget Mugdho. In the same way we will not forget Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam. They have fought for the restoration of democracy for the last 15 years; they must be given their due respect. So don't try to create division."
UK BNP President and Chairperson's Adviser MA Malek, UK BNP General Secretary Koysor M Ahmed, Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Trust Coordinator Abu Naser Sheikh and UK BNP leader Shafraz Sharfur also spoke.
