Agartala, 26 December (HS): Former Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Bishwabandhu Sen, passed away on Friday morning at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness for the past several months. His demise has cast a pall of gloom across the state.

The mortal remains of Bishwabandhu Sen will be brought to Agartala from Bengaluru on Saturday. The Tripura government has announced three days of state mourning from December 26 (Friday) to December 28, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the state. His last rites will be performed with full state honours. The state government has also ordered the closure of all educational institutions on Friday as a mark of respect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the demise of the former Speaker. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that he was pained by the news of Bishwabandhu Sen’s passing and remembered him for his efforts towards Tripura’s development across various social sectors. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and admirers, praying for peace to the departed soul.

Chief Minister Professor (Dr) Manik Saha also expressed profound sorrow over the loss. In a social media message, he described Bishwabandhu Sen’s untimely demise as an irreparable loss for the people of Tripura. Extending his condolences to the bereaved family and followers, the Chief Minister prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the family to endure the difficult time.

Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury also mourned the passing of Bishwabandhu Sen. He stated that Sen was a dedicated personality committed to upholding parliamentary democracy and the dignity of the Legislative Assembly. His demise, he said, has caused an irreparable loss to the state’s political sphere. He also extended deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Bishwabandhu Sen began his political career with the Congress before later joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. He assumed office as the 11th Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly on June 21, 2018. A four-time MLA from the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency in North Tripura, he was widely known for his administrative acumen, calm demeanour and firm commitment to parliamentary traditions.

His passing is being regarded as an irreparable loss to Tripura’s political landscape and legislative functioning, with leaders across party lines expressing deep sorrow over his demise.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash