Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a personal letter of condolence to Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), following the passing of his mother and former Bangladesh Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia. In his message, PM Modi described the late leader as a figure of "rare resolve and conviction" whose contributions would continue to influence the partnership between India and Bangladesh.
A Personal Gesture of Condolence
The heartfelt letter was physically delivered by India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, who was in Dhaka on Wednesday to represent the nation at Khaleda Zia's funeral. Zia, a three-time prime minister and the founding leader of the BNP, died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, drawing condolences from across the region.
In his address to Tarique Rahman, PM Modi expressed deep sadness. "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your mother, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss," the Prime Minister wrote. He fondly recalled meeting Zia during his official visit to Dhaka in June 2015, acknowledging her significant role in Bangladesh's development and in bolstering ties with India.
Praising a Historic Legacy and Vision
PM Modi's tribute highlighted Khaleda Zia's groundbreaking role as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He noted that while her demise creates an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy are enduring. The Prime Minister also expressed confidence in Tarique Rahman's leadership, stating that he believes Zia's ideals will be carried forward under his guidance within the BNP.
"I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership... 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 asserted in the letter. He extended his sympathies to the people of Bangladesh, praising their shared democratic values and national unity, and wished Rahman strength.
Jaishankar's Diplomatic Mission in Dhaka
EAM S. Jaishankar reinforced the sentiments during his meeting with Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. He later shared on social media that he had conveyed the deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. Jaishankar also expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values would continue to guide the development of the bilateral partnership.
On the sidelines of the funeral ceremonies, the External Affairs Minister also engaged with other regional dignitaries present. This included interactions with Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Nepal's Foreign Minister, Balananda Sharma, underscoring the event's significance in South Asian diplomacy.
The personal letter from the Indian Prime Minister and the high-level representation at the funeral underscore the importance India places on its relationship with Bangladesh, acknowledging the contributions of key political figures across the spectrum in nurturing this vital bilateral bond.
