Kathmandu, Nov 17: Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana passed away today at the age of 83. He breathed his last in the course of the treatment at Baneshwor-based Frontline Hospital at 1:30 am, according to Dhungana’s private secretary Dr Rudra Sharma.
Dungana, also the senior advocate, was battling with liver-related issues for some time. He was elected the House of Representative (HoR) member from the Kathmandu electoral constituency-2 during the 2048 BS (1992) general elections, representing the Nepali Congress.
He served as the HoR Speaker from 2048 to 2051 BS.
Dhungana who contributed significantly to the country’s democratic movement was jailed time and again by the Panchayati rulers during his political career. He is survived by his spouse, a daughter, and two sons.
His last rites will be conducted tomorrow, Monday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed his deep sorrow over the demise of former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana.
Taking to social site account today, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of the Speaker of the first House of Representatives after the restoration of democracy in 1990 and my friend Damannath Dhungana. I am remembering his contribution to the movement for the protection of human rights and the advancement of parliamentary practices,” the PM wrote on the social site.
Likewise, President Ram Chandra Paudel, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba have expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana.