Arfanul Haque Rifat (1957/1958 – 13 December 2023) was a Bangladeshi Awami League politician who was the 2nd mayor of Comilla City Corporation.[1] Rifat served as the general secretary of Comilla city unit Awami League from 2017 until his death.[2]
Arfanul Haque Rifat | |
|---|---|
আরফানুল হক রিফাত | |
 Rifat in 2022 | |
| 2nd Mayor of Cumilla | |
| In office 16 June 2022 – 13 December 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Monirul Haque Sakku |
| Succeeded by | Dr. Tahseen Bahar Shuchona |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1957/1958 Comilla, East Pakistan, Pakistan |
| Died | 13 December 2023 (aged 65) Singapore |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Political party | Bangladesh Awami League |
| Alma mater | Comilla Victoria Government College |
| Occupation | Politician |
Career edit
Rifat joined the Chhatra League in 1976 and became president of its Comilla city unit after two years. He also served as a senior vice-president of the district unit of Jubo League.[3] He served as District Football Association president since 2010.[4] In 2022 Cumilla City Corporation election, Rifat defeated his closest rival former BNP leader Monirul Haque Sakku by a margin of only 343 votes. He took oath on 5 June 2022 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as 2nd Mayor of Cumilla City Corporation (CUSIC).[5]
Controversies edit
Rifat was listed number one patron of drug dealers and smugglers in Cumilla according to a government agency which was listed by the prime minister's office in 2018, according to The Daily Star, Vorer Kagoj, Prothom Alo and other credible media.[6][7] Though, the leaders of Awami League denied the allegations.[8]
Death edit
Rifat died in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore on 13 December 2023, at the age of 65.[9][10]
References edit
- ^ "Arfanul Haque Rifat wins Cumilla city polls". The Financial Express. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "AL picks Rifat for CCC polls". Risingbd.com. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ Bay, Badiuzzaman (20 May 2022). "Cumilla polls, a litmus test for EC, and the shadow of drugs". The Daily Star (Opinion). Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "Bangabandhu 9th Bangladesh Games Football inaugurated in Cumilla". Daily Bangladesh. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "Rifat sworn in as Comilla city mayor". www.dhakatribune.com. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
- ^ Hasan, Rashidul; Nazrul, Khalid Bin (16 May 2022). "Cumilla polls nomination: AL picks No. 1 patron of narcos". The Daily Star. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "'Intel report implicating Rifat in drug smuggling was motivated'". Dhaka Tribune. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "'Allegations against Rifat baseless'". Daily Sun. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Cumilla City Mayor Rifat passes away". The Business Standard. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Comilla Mayor Rifat passes away".