Bangladesh's first female PM Khaleda Zia passes away; PM Modi hails her ties with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief on Tuesday following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The 80-year-old leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) breathed her last at 6 am today at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged battle with multiple health complications. PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his "deep sadness," extending his sincerest condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh during this tragic time.

In his tribute, PM Modi highlighted Khaleda Zia's significant role in fostering bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. He specifically recalled his warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015, which took place during his first year as Prime Minister. "We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership," Modi wrote, emphasizing that her contributions to the development of Bangladesh and its diplomatic ties with India will always be remembered.

Khaleda Zia was a towering figure in South Asian politics, serving as Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister in 1991 and completing two terms. Her death marks the end of an era defined by her fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Her passing is particularly significant as it follows the recent return of her son, Tarique Rahman, from a 17-year exile in London, and comes at a time when her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina continues to reside in India following her ouster in August 2024.