A Moment of Remembrance: Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to Khaleda Zia and Her Enduring Political Legacy
A Moment of Remembrance: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow on Tuesday over the passing of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson, Khaleda Zia. In his condolence message, he conveyed heartfelt sympathies to her family and to the people of Bangladesh, describing her demise as a profound loss and recalling her contributions to her nation and to regional cooperation. His message reflected both personal remembrance and diplomatic respect, underlining the significance of her role in South Asian politics.
Official Condolence from the Indian Prime Minister
In a public statement, Prime Minister Modi said he was deeply saddened to learn about Khaleda Zia’s death in Dhaka. He extended sincere condolences to her family and emphasized solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. His words highlighted compassion, respect, and the shared sense of loss felt across borders, reinforcing the human dimension of diplomatic relations between neighboring countries.
Khaleda Zia’s Passing and Final Days
Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6 a.m. local time while undergoing medical treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80 years old at the time of her death. Over the past years, her health had been a matter of public concern, and her passing marked the end of an era for Bangladesh’s political landscape. News of her death prompted reactions from leaders, political parties, and citizens, reflecting her long-standing influence on national life.
A Pioneering Leader in Bangladesh Politics
Khaleda Zia holds a historic place in Bangladesh as its first woman prime minister. She served three terms in office and was also recognized as the second woman prime minister in the Muslim world. Alongside her long-time political rival Sheikh Hasina, she dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades. Their rivalry shaped electoral contests, policy debates, and the broader democratic evolution of the country.
Contributions to Development and Regional Relations
Recalling her political legacy, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged that Khaleda Zia made important contributions to Bangladesh’s development and to India-Bangladesh relations. He noted that her vision and leadership left an imprint that would continue to influence bilateral engagement. Modi also recalled a warm meeting with her during his visit to Dhaka in 2015, describing it as a moment that reflected mutual respect despite political differences.
Early Life and Political Journey
Khaleda Zia was born on August 15, 1946, in the Dinajpur district of undivided India to Taiyaba and Iskandar Majumdar. After the partition, her family moved to what was then East Pakistan. In 1960, she married army officer Ziaur Rahman, who later became the president of Bangladesh. Following his assassination, Khaleda Zia entered politics, eventually emerging as a central figure in the country’s leadership.
Relations with India During Her Tenure
During her first term as prime minister from 1991 to 1996, relations with India experienced both cooperation and tension. Key issues included water sharing of the Ganges and concerns related to cross-border insurgency. Her government pursued a Look East policy, signaling closer engagement with China and several Islamic nations. This approach was often viewed as creating strategic distance from New Delhi.
Challenges and Shifts in Bilateral Engagement
Her subsequent tenure witnessed a downturn in India-Bangladesh relations, with stalled progress in trade, connectivity, and security cooperation. Indian authorities expressed concerns about militant groups and cross-border infiltration during this period. Despite these challenges, diplomatic channels remained open, reflecting the complexity of regional geopolitics.
Visits to India and Attempts at Rebuilding Ties
Khaleda Zia visited India twice as prime minister, in 1992 and 2006, and once as opposition leader in 2012 at the invitation of the Indian government. Her 2006 state visit resulted in agreements on trade and security, while her 2012 visit aimed to rebuild party-level ties and foster dialogue. These engagements demonstrated her willingness to maintain communication even during strained periods.
Legacy Beyond Politics
Khaleda Zia’s death marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in South Asian political history. Her leadership, controversies, achievements, and resilience continue to be debated and analyzed. As leaders like Prime Minister Modi reflect on her life, her legacy remains intertwined with Bangladesh’s democratic journey and the evolving dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations.