Khaleda Zia no more: PM Modi expresses grief over ex-Bangladesh PM’s death; shares pictures of 2015 meet

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, remembering her role in Bangladesh’s development and in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka,” PM Modi said in a post on X. He added, “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.” Modi noted her place in Bangladesh’s political history, saying, “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.”Recalling a past interaction, the PM added, “I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace.”Khaleda Zia died early Tuesday in Dhaka at the age of 80, the Daily Star reported. She had been in critical condition for months and was receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Evercare Hospital. She suffered from multiple chronic ailments, including heart disease, liver and kidney complications, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis and eye-related conditions. She had a permanent pacemaker and had earlier undergone stent placement for cardiac issues. After returning from London earlier this year on May 6 following advanced medical care, she had been undergoing regular check-ups at Evercare Hospital, according to the Daily Star. Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus also expressed sorrow at her passing. “I am deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her death,” he said in a condolence message.Her death comes days after her son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh from London, ending 17 years of self-imposed exile, as the country prepares for elections expected in early 2026. Despite frail health, Khaleda had last month indicated she would campaign for the polls, with the BNP widely seen as a frontrunner.Khaleda Zia was the first woman to serve as Bangladesh’s prime minister. She married Ziaur Rahman in 1960; he later became president in 1977 and was assassinated in 1981. Khaleda entered active politics soon after and took over as BNP chief in 1984.She led the BNP to victory in 1991, serving as prime minister from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. For decades, she remained the principal political rival of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s long-serving leader, who is currently living in exile in New Delhi after fleeing the country amid nationwide unrest in 2024.(With inputs from agencies)