PM Modi Mourns Khaleda Zia’s Death, Recalls Her Role in Strengthening India-Bangladesh Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, recalling her contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

Reacting to the veteran leader’s passing, PM Modi said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of her demise and extended condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh.

In a post on X, the prime minister wrote: “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.”

PM Modi also acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s role in fostering diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries, saying her “important contributions” to India-Bangladesh relations would always be remembered.

Recalling his meeting with the Bangladeshi leader in 2015, a year after he assumed office, PM Modi said her vision and legacy would continue to guide the bilateral partnership. “We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

Khaleda Zia, 80, died around 6 am on Tuesday after battling a prolonged illness, according to a statement issued earlier by the BNP. A central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades, her death comes just days after her son, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, returned to the country after 17 years of exile in London.

Khaleda Zia served as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and led the country in two separate terms, leaving behind a complex and enduring political legacy.