Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam addressed a discussion organized by the Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Council at the National Press Club. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 22, 2026 (BSS) - Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said Arafat Rahman Koko made important and visionary contributions to the advancement of cricket in Bangladesh.

"Koko's sports philosophy and ideals must be conveyed to the new generation to preserve his memory. A healthy, united and modern Bangladesh has to be built by utilising the strength of sports and youth," he said.

Faqir Mahbub Anam, also Science and Technology Minister, said this while addressing a discussion organised by the Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Council at the National Press Club, marking the 57th birth anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, according to a ministry press release. 

He said Arafat Rahman Koko was not merely a sports organiser rather he realised that there was no alternative to achieving excellence in sports if a nation wanted to stand tall in the world.

"Koko's selfless and visionary role in laying the foundation of the position Bangladesh cricket has achieved today on the world stage will be remembered," he added.

The minister further said, "We can build a developed Bangladesh of the future by utilising three forces - sports, unity and youth."

He said there was no alternative to sports for the sound physical and mental development of young people alongside their development in technology and science. 

A young generation capable of bringing glory to Bangladesh in sports, while also leading the world in ICT and science, must be developed, he added.

Stressing the necessity of highlighting Arafat Rahman Koko's contribution to the development of Bangladesh cricket to the new generation, Faqir said, "His memory should not be preserved merely through formal remembrance, but through realising his contributions and dreams in the field of sports."

He called for expanding the initiative to other sports alongside cricket.

Assuring cooperation from his ministry for any good initiative of the organisation to keep Koko's memory alive, the minister said, "Everyone must work together in unity to preserve Koko's memory."

He said put emphasis on keeping young people away from drugs and social degradation through sports, saying they have to transform into a positive force for the country and nation.

The minister further said the future of a country depends on its younger generation and therefore, young people must be engaged in sports alongside technology, science and education. This would help to develop a confident, disciplined and patriotic generation, he added.

Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Arafat Rahman Koko, he said the new generation should learn from his life and contributions to sports. He also stressed the importance of collective initiatives to pass Koko's memory and contributions from generation to generation.

Leaders of the organisation were present at the meeting, chaired by Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Council President Saiful Islam Rashed.