"My Political Guardian is Zahir Uddin Swapon" – K.M Ariful Islam Arif

From an early age, K.M. Ariful Islam Arif has carried a deep, unwavering love for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Though his full name is K.M. Ariful Islam Arif, he is widely known in political circles as Khan Mohammad Arif. Currently, he serves as Member No. 2 of the Convening Committee of the Gournadi Municipal Chhatra Dal, under Barisal District.

His entire political journey has been defined by dedication, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with the BNP. Today, he opens up about his life, his upbringing, and his political struggles — in a special interview conducted by senior reporter Soyeb Sikder (Aronno).

Q: Tell us about your political background.

Arif Khan:I was raised in a family where my father and uncles followed the ideals of the BNP, especially the philosophies of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. My political initiation began right there — at home.I formally entered politics in 2012, inspired by Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP for Gournadi-Agailjhara, a key figure in the BNP media cell and advisor to Begum Khaleda Zia. His personality and political ideals deeply influenced me.

My core inspirations are Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, and the pride of youth, Tarique Rahman, but my political guardian and idol is none other than Zahir Uddin Swapon Bhai.

As long as I live, I want to remain under his guidance. He’s not just a leader of one constituency — he’s a national treasure. Being his colleague is a rare privilege.

I'm just a humble BNP activist and don’t consider myself anything beyond that.

Q: Have you ever faced obstacles due to your political involvement?

Arif Khan (with a smile):Since 2012 to 2025, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been physically assaulted. Some of these incidents have been covered by the media. I was seriously injured around 8 to 10 times.

The most severe attack was during the 2018 municipal election, when I was campaigning for BNP-nominated candidate Zahir Sajjad Hannan Sharif Bhai. Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists beat me brutally. I had to be hospitalized for an extended period.In 2023, during a protest in Barisal Town Hall against the rising cost of living, our demonstration was violently attacked by ruling party supporters. Bombs were thrown at us, and I was attacked with sharp weapons.

That same year, during BNP’s national “Youth Call” program, while traveling to attend, Ward-1 Jubo League President Sujon Hawlader and his men ambushed me. Locals took me to the hospital. The incident was widely reported, and different levels of Chhatra Dal, including Barisal District, Gournadi Thana, and various ward units, issued strong condemnations.

But it didn’t stop there. My family was also targeted — my house was set on fire, we were threatened with eviction, and my younger brother Khan Mohammad Rasel, General Secretary of Ward-3 Chhatra Dal, was severely beaten.I've been attacked so many times — it's beyond words.Still, I love my party and always will.I don't believe in switching sides. I don't know how to play that kind of politics.

Q: Do you have any grievances or bitterness toward the party?

Arif Khan (pauses, sighs):No bitterness at all. I’ve either learned or grown stronger from every experience.Yes, at times, there’s been some discrimination from seniors, but I don’t hold regrets.What bothers me are the infiltrators in the party — the opportunists.But our leader Tarique Rahman has made it clear: no mercy for infiltrators. He always values the genuine grassroots activists.

So no, I’m not concerned — I trust my party.

Q: How would you evaluate your party?

Arif Khan: BNP is one of the largest political organizations in Bangladesh.

I’m a proud soldier of Ziaur Rahman. His ideals guide my actions.Ours is a well-known BNP family in the area — many of my family members have held leadership positions.

I strictly follow the party constitution. I never sold myself for the sake of politics.I’ve always been in the trenches for the party — boosting morale, organizing, resisting injustice.When Tarique Rahman calls, I respond. When Swapon Bhai signals, I act.While others played with kites, I carried posters and festoons. My schoolbag often held both textbooks and legal documents for court cases.

Q: You've mentioned Zahir Uddin Swapon as your idol and political guardian. How would you describe him in your own words?

Arif Khan (smiling): I always say — Zahir Uddin Swapon isn’t just a leader of one area. He’s a leader of the nation.Not everyone can claim the honor of being his colleague. I’m fortunate to even call myself his worker.He’s the reason I joined politics. I fell in love with his personality and political integrity.

Those who change leaders like they change clothes have never truly loved politics or character.But I did — and I still do. I will always follow his path, uphold his values, and serve as a loyal soldier of Zia.Leaders may come and go — but legends remain.And Zahir Uddin Swapon is a shining star in the sky of politics.

Q: Suppose Zahir Uddin Swapon doesn’t get the party nomination for Barisal-1 in the future — how would you react?

Arif Khan: I have no comment on that. The final decision rests with Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and the party leadership.

But based on my experience, and public sentiment across both Gournadi and Agailjhara, people want Swapon Bhai as their candidate.

If it were just up to me, maybe it would be different. But this is beyond one person — the people want him.Zahir Uddin Swapon is not just a name, he’s a brand — a star — who has illuminated the political sky for over three decades.

How can you just ignore that?Yes, several senior leaders are in the race. But in the end, the party will choose based on merit and popularity.

No one is above the party.

Q: What are your future plans in politics?

Arif Khan:I’ve been with the same political party since childhood — the BNP.

I haven’t switched loyalties or political mentors.

I am, and always will be, a soldier of Ziaur Rahman.I walk in the footsteps of Tarique Rahman, and I follow the guidance of my political idol, Zahir Uddin Swapon Bhai.

My only goal is politics — nothing else. I just want to serve the people, follow my leader’s instructions, and become a torchbearer of Tarique Rahman’s dream.What more can a simple man like me ask for?

Daily Bangladesh Times – Final Three Questions

Q: If you had Aladdin’s magic lamp, what would you wish for?

Arif Khan: (laughs) I'd rather not say.

Q: If you could go back in time using a time machine, where would you go?

Arif Khan: Definitely my childhood. I’d love to relive the days I’ve lost.

Q: Are you a good person or a bad person?

Arif Khan: Ask the people in my area — they’ll answer that in the next interview! (laughs)