Mufti Amir Hamza, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Kushtia-3, has apologized after an old video of his remarks about late Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of former president Ziaur Rahman, resurfaced on Facebook and drew criticism. The video showed Hamza making a derogatory comparison involving Koko’s name during a religious gathering. Following renewed backlash, Hamza posted an apology on Facebook late Friday night.

In his post, Hamza stated that the controversial speech was made in 2023 and that he had already expressed regret at that time for using an inappropriate example. He reiterated his apology, saying he again feels remorse for the incident. Hamza also alleged that some individuals were deliberately circulating the old video during the election period to serve political interests, accusing them of exploiting even a deceased leader from their own party.

He concluded his statement by praying for Arafat Rahman Koko’s eternal peace, asking that he be granted a place in Jannatul Ferdous.