BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday described the allegations of violating electoral code against party Chairman Tarique Rahman as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Rizvi made the remarks after visiting the grave of Arafat Rahman Koko in Banani, Dhaka, on the 11th death anniversary of the late sports organiser and son of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
Addressing questions on the complaint filed by NCP candidate Sarjis Alam of the 10-party alliance in Panchagarh-1, Rizvi said, “At the request of the Election Commission, Tarique Rahman postponed his trips to northern districts, his Bogura constituency, and the grave of Abu Sayeed. He began his campaign only when the official schedule allowed.”
He added, “These allegations are part of a planned propaganda aimed at creating confusion among the people. Tarique Rahman’s leadership is widely recognised because of his consistent and reasonable statements, and this is what the opposition wants to undermine.”
Speaking about Arafat Rahman Koko, Rizvi recalled, “He passed away during a critical period. The Zia family faced relentless oppression, and none of them, Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, or Arafat Rahman Koko, could live peacefully in their own homes.”
On Koko’s death, Rizvi said, “While it may seem like a natural death, it can also be said that he could no longer endure the suffering, pain, and grief imposed on him and his family.”
