The 57th birthday of Arafat Rahman Koko, the youngest son of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, is being celebrated today.

Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger brother of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was born on 12 August in 1969.

Marking his birthday, BNP leaders and activists will visit the grave of Arafat Rahman Koko at Banani graveyard today and pay respect to his memory there. In addition, a discussion is going to be organised at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan.

Besides, a ‘Doa Mahfil’ will be held at the Media Centre of Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur at 5:30pm, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement.

Arafat Rahman Koko was a very simple and introvert person in his personal life. Although he was in the news due to his family’s political affiliation, he always kept himself away from the limelight. However, his role in the sports arena of Bangladesh was significant.

Koko was associated with the BCB from 2002 to 2005. During the period, he played a role in keeping cricket free from political influence and developing various aspects of the country’s sports. His contribution as a sports organiser is still remembered in the country’s sports arena.

Arafat Rahman Koko died of a heart attack in Malaysia on 24 January, 2015.

He is survived by his wife Sharmila Rahman and two daughters Zafia Rahman and Zahia Rahman.