The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) expresses its deepest condolence at the passing away of veteran trade union and communist leader of West Bengal, Comrade Dipak Sarkar, who passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 85. He died at his home in Midnapore, West Bengal.

Born in 1940, Inspired by the legendary communist leader Sukumar Sengupta, he joined the Communist Party in the 1960s. Although he began his life as a political science professor, his dedication to the cause led him to become a full-time activist in 1985.

Comrade Sarkar joined CITU in 1970 and was instrumental in organizing road transport workers in the Midnapore district. He rose to become a prominent leader, serving as the district president for the undivided Midnapore district and, later, for the West Midnapore district for decades. He also served as a former State Secretariat member and All India Working Committee member of CITU. His immense contributions to building the road transport workers' union will be remembered always.

A frontline leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Comrade Sarkar became a member in 1966. He served as the district secretary for the undivided Midnapore district from 1992 and later for the West Midnapore district until 2015. He was also a State Secretariat member of the CPI(M) in West Bengal.

Comrade Sarkar’s political life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the principles of the trade union and communist party. He was admired for his steadfast adherence to organizational discipline. During the turbulent times in Bengal, Comrade Sarkar's leadership and resilience were instrumental in resisting brutal violence and terror unleashed by TMC-Maoist axis in the Jangal Mahal Area of West Bengal.  His demise is a significant loss to the CITU and the democratic movement.

CITU pays its most respectful homage to Comrade Dipak Sarkar and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and comrades.

Comrade Dipak Sarkar Amar Rahe!

Tapan Sen
General Secretary