The award ceremony of the “Arafat Rahman Coco Memorial Cricket Tournament-2024” was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Central London. The event organized by the Arafat Rahman Coco Memorial Trust in in memory of the renowned sports organizer and youngest son of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, paid tribute to Arafat Rahman’s passion for cricket. The Chief Guest, BNP’s Acting Chairman Mr. Tarique Rahman, presented the trophies to the champions and congratulated all participating teams for their spirited performances.
Sixteen teams competed in this year-long, highly competitive tournament held throughout 2024 in London. “Habiganj Fighter,” led by Captain Tofail, emerged as champions after a series of thrilling matches, while “Greater Faridpur,” under the captaincy of former Bangladesh national team skipper Mohammad Ashraful, finished as runners-up.
The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Abu Naser Sheikh, one of the coordinators of the Koko Memorial Trust and former Student Affairs Secretary of BNP UK. The event was compered by former student leader Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed “Sarfu.” Distinguished guests in attendance included:
- Mr. Aminul Haque – Convenor of BNP North Dhaka Metropolitan and former national footballer
- Mr. Ruhul Quddus Talukdar “Dulu” – Central BNP leader and former State Minister
- Mr. Anisur Rahman Talukdar “Khokon” – BNP Central Training Secretary and former student leader
- Mr. Mosharraf Hossain – Former Member of Parliament and Acting General Secretary of Bogra District BNP
- Mr. Mir Shah Alam – President of BNP’s Shibganj Upazila unit, Bogra
- Professor Dr. Sorkar Mahbub Ahmed Shamim – President, Dhaka North Metropolitan DAB
Also present were office-bearers and activists from BNP UK, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and other allied organizations, as well as players and officials from all participating teams. The tournament has been widely lauded as a successful example of BNP’s overseas sporting and organizational efforts.
