The Arafat Rahman Coco Memorial Gold Cup Football Tournament has officially commenced in Bashkhali, Chattogram

On Friday afternoon, November 7, the tournament was inaugurated at the Izzatia School Model Ground located in Puichhari Union of Bashkhali Upazila by Mofizur Rahman Ashiq, the former Joint General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Central Parliament.

The inaugural match was attended by several dignitaries, including Abul Mansur Sikder, Additional PP Advocate of Chattogram Judge Court, Abul Kalam Azad, a former member of Chhatra Dal Central Parliament, Jalal Uddin, the former Joint Convener of Upazila Jubo Dal, Ashek Ullah, the former Joint Secretary of Chattogram University Chhatra Dal, Md. Imranul Haque, and Jubo Dal leaders Arifur Rahman, Maimunur Rashid, Mehedi, Junaidul Karim, among others.

During his address as the chief guest, Mofizur Rahman Ashiq remarked, 'Arafat Rahman Koko was a dedicated sports organizer in our country. He kept politics out of sports. Thanks to Koko's vision, Bangladeshi cricket has achieved remarkable heights today. The entire Zia family has also contributed significantly as sports organizers in this nation. Koko's impact on our sports landscape is irrefutable, having raised our cricket to international standards.'

While speaking to the audience, he added, 'Do not lose hope; the BNP has announced the primary nominations. There is still ample time for the final nominations to be revealed. I trust that the nationalist party BNP will recognize the victims of enforced disappearances and the oppressed during the prolonged 17-year reign of Hasina's dictatorship. The party will not let me down. Exercise patience, as many changes are on the horizon. If the marginalized and neglected are not acknowledged, the people will respond appropriately.'

In the first match of the day, Asadganj Young Star Club triumphed over Napor Football XI with a score of 4-3 at Tribeca, securing their victory. The goalkeeper for Asadganj Young Star Club, Mohammad Hridoy, was named the Man of the Match.