Renowned left leader, former Member of the CPI(M) Tripura State Committee, and former Minister of the Left Front Government, Comrade Faizur Rahaman breathed his last in his residence at Ichai Lalchhari village of Dharmanagar Sub-Division, North Tripura on June 12. He had been suffering from cancer for several years. He was 75.

Growing up in a poor peasant family, Comrade Faizur Rahaman came in touch with the left movement amidst the statewide movement against the then Congress Government’s outrageous drive for collection of ‘levy’ (forcible procurement of paddy from the cultivators). He joined the CPI(M) in 1970 and engaged himself in organising the peasants in Dharmanagar. Since 1977 he was elected to the Assembly from Kurti Assembly Constituency of Dharmanagar consecutively for eight terms. From 1998 to 2008, as a cabinet minister of the Left Front Government under Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, he successfully managed the Forest, Labour and Minority Development departments. He was elected to the party State Committee at the 17th State Conference of the CPI(M) in 2002 and continued in this position till 2018. He sought to be relieved from the State Committee on health ground at the 22nd State Conference. He set a record of shining excellence in his performance in administrative as well as in parliamentary work. For his simplicity in lifestyle, honesty and modest behavior he enjoyed acceptance of all sections of the people. Expressing grief in a condolence resolution, the CPI(M) Tripura State Committee stated that the contribution of Comrade Faizur Rahaman to the progress of the communist movement in the state would be remembered for long.

Manik Sarkar in his condolence message said that, in the Hindu-Muslim mixed Dharmanagar Sub-Division, Comrade Faizur Rahaman was a bridge between the two communities to maintain religious harmony, peace and advancement of the united democratic movement amidst serious provocations from the communal and vested interest forces.