Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday described late party leader and former Dhaka mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka as a true fighter on the streets, recalling their long political journey together through various movements and struggles.
He said although they had differences of opinion and occasional disagreements, they ultimately worked together for the ideals of the BNP and the welfare of the people.
The programme was organised at the Sadek Hossain Khoka Community Centre in Gopibagh to mark the seventh death anniversary of the former mayor and BNP vice-chairman. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and BNP Chairman’s Adviser Md Abdus Salam and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain also spoke at the programme, recalling Khoka’s political career, contribution to the Liberation War and role in building the BNP’s organisational strength in Dhaka.
Recalling his long personal and political association with Khoka, Abbas said he was from Shahjahanpur while Khoka lived in Gopibagh. They had gradually become close companions and political comrades, standing together from the days of the Liberation War to their roles as public representatives.
“Khoka was a true fighter on the streets. He did not laugh much, but his words and sincerity easily brought people closer to him. He was a very simple-hearted and large-hearted person,” Abbas said.
He said writing about the various events in their lives would fill an entire book. Although they sometimes had political differences and arguments, they always worked together for the BNP’s ideals and the people.
“Today he is no longer among us. Had he been alive, perhaps many more good things could have happened in the current political situation,” Abbas said.
Paying tribute to the late leader, Abbas said they were planning to organise a larger commemorative programme to highlight Khoka’s political contributions and different aspects of his life. He also expressed sympathy with Khoka’s family and called for prayers for the salvation of his departed soul.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam said Sadek Hossain Khoka and Mirza Abbas had played important roles in building the BNP’s organisational foundation in Dhaka city.
Under their leadership, the BNP was organised in the capital and brought to power through movements and struggles, he said, adding that the party could not be pushed aside as millions of people stood behind it.
Salam said Khoka was an undisputed leader not only in Dhaka but also in the politics of the country as a whole. He fought for the country's independence and was one of the prominent freedom fighters of Dhaka.
Referring to Khoka’s popularity, Salam said it was evident both during his lifetime and after his death. When his body was brought to Dhaka airport, a huge crowd gathered from the airport along the entire route. The massive turnout at his funeral prayers also demonstrated how popular he was among the people of Dhaka, he said.
Among others, Dhaka-9 MP and State Minister for Railways and Roads and Highways Habibur Rashid Habib, BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Jubo Dal President Monaem Munna, Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, former Senior Joint Convener and Acting Convener of Dhaka South BNP Nabiullah Nabi, former Dhaka South Jubo Dal Convener Golam Mawla Shaheen and Jagannath University Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel attended the programme.
Leaders and activists of the Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal and other BNP associate and affiliated organisations were also present.
The programme ended with special prayers seeking the salvation of Khoka’s departed soul and peace and prosperity for the country.