Khaleda Zia’s Legacy Will Endure Despite Void: Modi

Narendra Modi and Tarique Rahman.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the passing of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia has created an irreplaceable void, but her vision and legacy will continue to endure.

In a condolence letter sent to her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Modi said he was confident that Khaleda Zia’s ideals would be carried forward under Tarique’s leadership and would remain a guiding force in strengthening the deep and historic ties between India and Bangladesh.

The letter was personally handed over to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

At a time of national mourning, Modi said his thoughts were also with the people of Bangladesh, praising their resilience, democratic traditions and strong sense of unity. He expressed hope that these shared values would continue to guide the nation toward peace and harmony.

Modi said he was deeply saddened by Khaleda Zia’s death and fondly recalled his meeting with her in Dhaka in June 2015. Describing her as a leader of rare resolve and conviction, he noted her historic role as the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and her contributions to the country’s development and to India-Bangladesh relations.

“Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the Indian prime minister wrote, praying for strength and fortitude for Tarique Rahman and his family.

Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, late president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Wednesday afternoon. She was buried with state honour around 4:30 pm following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Family members, senior state officials, diplomats, foreign guests and political leaders were present at the burial. She was accorded a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment, while a wreath was placed at her grave on behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.