Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia has left an irreplaceable void, but her vision, ideals and political legacy will continue to endure.
In a condolence letter addressed to her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister Modi said he was confident that Khaleda Zia’s ideals would be carried forward under Tarique Rahman’s leadership of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and would continue to guide the future of India–Bangladesh relations.
“I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh,” Modi wrote.
The personal letter from the Indian prime minister was handed over to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar.
Expressing deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s passing, Modi said his thoughts were also with the people of Bangladesh at this moment of national mourning, praising their strength and dignity throughout history.
“I am confident that they will continue to be guided by their shared values, democratic traditions and a deep sense of national unity, as they move forward in peace and harmony,” he said.
Modi said he was deeply saddened by the death of Tarique Rahman’s mother and warmly recalled his meeting and discussions with Begum Khaleda Zia during his visit to Dhaka in June 2015.
Describing her as “a leader of rare resolve and conviction,” Modi noted that Khaleda Zia had the distinction of being the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and had made significant contributions to the country’s development as well as to strengthening bilateral ties with India.
“Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the Indian prime minister wrote.
He also prayed for strength and fortitude for Tarique Rahman and his family during this difficult time and extended his best wishes for Tarique Rahman’s future endeavours.
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