Photo : BSS

BOGURA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - A Hifzul Quran competition was held in Gabtoli 
upazila of the district on Monday seeking forgiveness for the deceased 
members of the Zia family.

The day-long event took place in the Darail area under the initiative of 
Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Academy, Gabtoli. 

It was organised under the overall management of Bogura district BNP Human 
Rights Secretary and former mayor of Gabtoli Municipality Md. Saiful Islam.

According to organisers, the competition was arranged to pray for the 
departed souls of the Zia family members, including the founder of the 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former 
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and their son Arafat Rahman Koko.

Students from various madrasas across the district began arriving in the 
morning to participate in the competition. A total of 275 students registered 
and were later divided into different groups for the contest.

The judges included Mufti Ataullah Nizami, assistant director of Jamil 
Madrasa; Qari Abdur Shukur; Maulana Mostafiz and Maulana Hafez Mohibullah.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations were present at 
the event. Among them were Tariqul Islam, Abdul Gafur, Abu Hasnat Shahin, 
Tajul Islam, Anwar Hossain, Nasir Uddin Bulbul, Khorshed Alam Jewel, Hamidul 
Haque Shilu, Mustafa Kamal Kanak, Shafiqul Islam, Selim, Abdul Gani, Anisar 
Rahman Pasha and Shahidul Islam.

After the first round of evaluation, 72 contestants were awarded "Yes Cards" 
for the next stage. The programme concluded with prayers and special 
supplications for the welfare and forgiveness of the deceased members of the 
Zia family.

Organiser Md. Saiful Islam said the competition was held for the second time 
with the aim of praying for the departed souls and promoting Quranic 
teachings among madrasa students, particularly those in remote areas. 

He expressed hope that the initiative would continue in the future.