Rifat joined the
Chhatra League in 1976 and became president of its Cumilla city unit after two years. He also served as a senior vice-president of the district unit of
Jubo League. He served as District Football Association president since 2010. 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 as 2nd Mayor of
Cumilla City Corporation (CUSIC). == Controversies ==