Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker Bishwabandhu Sen passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru early this morning at around 3:20 a.m. He had been critically ill for the past few weeks. His demise has cast a pall of gloom over the political landscape of the state.
Expressing profound grief over the loss, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that Bishwabandhu Sen was not only a close political associate but also a dear personal friend. “He was my contemporary and an integral part of my political journey. Since the 1980s, while working for the nationalist political ideology, we came very close to each other through various movements and organisational activities across North Tripura and the entire state,” the minister said.
Remembering Sen’s multifaceted personality, Nath highlighted that the late Speaker was a renowned cultural activist who was widely admired for his contributions to poetry, theatre, and folk theatre (Jatra). “The news of losing such a colleague has left my heart extremely heavy,” he added.
The Power Minister further stated that Bishwabandhu Sen had been associated with political movements since his student days and remained firmly rooted in nationalist ideology throughout his life. Over the years, he emerged as a capable leader and played a key role in strengthening the party organisation across North Tripura. He was known as a compassionate leader who stood by poor and unemployed youths, especially during the long years of Left rule, offering them social and emotional support.
Bishwabandhu Sen was first elected to the Tripura Legislative Assembly from the Dharmanagar constituency in 2008. As Leader of the Opposition, he earned recognition for his strong command over parliamentary procedures and established himself as a vocal yet constructive force in the House. He went on to win the Dharmanagar seat consecutively in 2013, 2018, and 2023.
In 2023, he assumed office as the Speaker of the 13th Tripura Legislative Assembly and was widely appreciated for conducting Assembly proceedings with efficiency and dignity. On August 5, he suddenly fell seriously ill while returning to his residence in Dharmanagar. After receiving emergency treatment in Agartala, he was shifted to Bengaluru for advanced medical care, where he eventually breathed his last.
“The state has lost an able organiser, a people-centric leader, and an experienced parliamentarian. On a personal note, I have lost a dear friend and fellow warrior,” Nath said, paying homage to the departed leader. He prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, wishing them strength to endure the irreparable loss.
