Two Politicians, Two Destinies — The Death of Ramesh Sen and the Waiting End of Mirza Fakhrul

This morning, Ramesh Chandra Sen passed away silently in prison, without receiving any medical care.
A man under the care of the state—former minister, teacher, politician—died because he was denied treatment. Under police supervision, his lifeless body was taken out of prison today. This scene is more than just a death; it is a stark testament to the state of our politics and governance.

The lives of Ramesh Sen and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir are strikingly intertwined with both parallels and contradictions.
Both were teachers.
Both entered politics through grassroots movements.
Both served as ministers.
Both were members of their respective parties’ highest decision-making bodies.

Yet their positions in the ledger of history are far from equal.
Ramesh Sen remained loyal to Awami League politics until his death.
Mirza Fakhrul, having moved through the student union and NAP, now sits at the apex of BNP leadership.

A deeper contradiction lies in their familial histories: Mirza Fakhrul’s family was involved in the persecution of a community during 1971, whereas Ramesh Sen belonged to that very persecuted community.

After 5 August, Ramesh Sen was at his home in Thakurgaon. A team from the police headquarters came, ostensibly to “provide security,” and took him away for half an hour. The following day, he was arrested under the pretext of an unknown student’s case. He never returned home alive—he returned as a corpse.

As a reward for his service in grassroots politics, Ramesh Sen had received responsibilities in the central policy-making body and ministerial office. The party honoured him. Those who travelled to Thakurgaon over the past fifteen years know what Ramesh Sen accomplished and what legacy he left behind. That history will not be erased.

Ramesh Sen was childless. He stood alone with his wife, Anjali Sen, throughout his life. And there was the public. Even in death, his wife could not be by his side. Yet the people will not—and cannot—forget this death. Certainly, his followers will not.

This death brings to mind Mirza Fakhrul, his long-time political colleague.
He was meant to occupy the highest place of honour within BNP. Yet today, he is politically marginalised within his own party and has become a subject of ridicule nationally. What lies ahead for him remains uncertain. Neither his wife, two daughters, nor his son-in-law can restore his lost prestige.

Ramesh Sen departed in solitude, but he leaves behind honour and memory.
Mirza Fakhrul remains alive, yet his political demise seems to be unfolding slowly, right before our eyes.
The nation now waits to witness that ending.