Former Water Resources Minister and five-time Member of Parliament for Thakurgaon-1, Ramesh Chandra Sen, passed away while in custody at Dinajpur District Jail on Saturday morning. He was 85.
According to hospital and prison sources, Ramesh Chandra Sen fell critically ill inside the jail around 9:10 AM. He was immediately rushed to the emergency department of Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where attending doctors declared him dead at 9:29 AM.
Dr. Fazlur Rahman, Director of Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, stated that Ramesh Chandra Sen had been suffering from long-term heart disease. “He was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state from the jail. After a thorough examination, the doctors on duty confirmed his death. He had been treated at this facility previously for cardiac issues,” the Director added.
Background of Detention The veteran Awami League leader was detained by Thakurgaon police from his residence in the Ramnath area of Ruhea on August 16, 2024, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. He was initially sent to Thakurgaon District Jail and later transferred to Dinajpur District Jail on August 17. At the time of his death, he was facing charges in three separate cases, including murder.
Political Legacy Born on April 30, 1940, in Kashalgaon village of Thakurgaon, Ramesh Chandra Sen was the son of Khitindra Mohan Sen and Balashoree Sen. An alumnus of Rangpur Carmichael College, he had a long and distinguished political career.
He served as a Member of Parliament five times, specifically representing the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in 1996, 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2024. He served as the Minister of Water Resources from 2009 to 2014 and was a member of the Awami League’s Presidium and Advisory Council.
Handover of Remains The Jailer of Dinajpur District Jail, Md. Farhad Sarkar, confirmed the death and stated that the body would be handed over to his family members following the completion of a post-mortem and other legal formalities.
