The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on January 3, 2016. THE Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its deep grief at the passing away of Comrade A B Bardhan, veteran leader of the Communist and working class movement of India. Bardhan became a Communist as a young student while participating in the anti-imperialist student movement. As a trade union activist and as a leader of the All India Trade Union Congress, he made a significant contribution to organising the working class. Comrade Bardhan, as the general secretary of the CPI, helped to build Left unity. He played a key role in strengthening relations with the CPI(M). Comrade Bardhan’s life and work was that of a dedicated Communist leader. In his death, the CPI and the Left movement have lost an invaluable leader. The Polit Bureau pays its respectful homage to his memory. The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolence to his daughter, son and other members of his family.