On 1 December 2025, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on his X account expressing concern over the illness of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and offered “all possible assistance.” What is the purpose behind Modi’s offer? Is it genuine humanitarian concern or a cunning diplomatic move? A closer look at the facts shows that India’s geopolitical interests and an attempt to rebuild old influence are hidden behind this gesture.
It is important to note that during almost the entire Hasina era, the opposition was heavily suppressed and Khaleda Zia personally faced severe persecution. She was forcibly evicted from her cantonment residence, sand trucks were placed in front of her office to block her, countless false cases were filed against her and she was unjustly imprisoned. Even when her health deteriorated badly, she was not allowed proper medical treatment. India did not comment on any of these actions at that time. So why does Modi want to offer medical help to Begum Zia now?
Modi wrote in his post, “I express deep concern for the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to the public life of Bangladesh for many years. Our sincere prayers and good wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to provide all possible assistance in any way.”
Modi’s proposal, under the appearance of humanitarian concern, clearly carries diplomatic intent. After Sheikh Hasina’s fall in the July 2024 uprising, the master servant relationship between India and Bangladesh practically collapsed.
India granted asylum to Hasina, but tensions with the interim government have increased. Border killings and disputes over Teesta water sharing are at their peak, trade relations are strained and Indian media continues to spread misinformation against Yunus government. India has built several new military bases very close to the Bangladesh border, which are now fully active and a concern for Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
After Hasina received a death sentence on 17 November 2025, Bangladesh requested India on 23 November to return her. India responded with “we are looking into it.” So far there is no sign that India intends to send Hasina back. By offering medical help to Khaleda Zia, India is trying to reduce pressure under a so called humanitarian face.
National Investigation Commission has stated that India was involved in BDR massacre. The November 30 investigation report confirmed Indian involvement and 67 Indian nationals remain unaccounted for. After such revelations, Modi’s offer seems like an attempt at damage control.
In 2025, more than 100 Bangladeshis have been killed along the Bangladesh India border. Hindu nationalist groups in India continue to persecute Muslims. In Kashmir, more than 50 incidents of abuse were recorded in 2025. Almost every day, homes, shops and places of worship belonging to Muslims are bulldozed for various excuses. Modi’s vote bank relies on hardline Hindutva but Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country. Khaleda Zia, whom many Islamic scholars consider a leader of Muslims, is being offered medical help by Modi to soften his anti Muslim image in Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi Islamic scholars, including Mizanur Rahman Azhari, consider Khaleda Zia a symbol of Islamic values. Modi’s proposal appears aimed at calming this group, because India’s anti Muslim policies such as CAA and NRC have pushed Bangladesh toward anti India sentiment.
Modi’s offer looks humanitarian but is suspicious at this moment. The proposal came just days after Hasina’s death sentence (17 November) and right after the Pilkhana investigation report. India wants Bangladesh to fall back under its influence, which India enjoyed when Hasina remained in power. India sees Bangladesh as its backyard.
Modi’s offer seems like another attempt to protect India’s interests by turning Bangladesh back into a subordinate state under the mask of humanitarian concern. Begum Zia has become a leader of the masses in Bangladesh. Almost every major political party and many prominent figures have openly acknowledged this.
India is trying to cover up years of unfair treatment toward Bangladesh. Many citizens and netizens see this proposal as hypocrisy or a new diplomatic trap. If India truly wants to help, it must build a respectful and dignified relationship, solve bilateral issues fairly and stop monopolizing trade. Otherwise, this offer will be viewed as a clever diplomatic ploy.
-The writer is Head of Photography at The Daily Observer.
