Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep condolences over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, saying her political ideals would serve as a "beacon" for a new phase in Bangladesh-India relations under the leadership of her son, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
In a personal letter sent to Rahman, Modi said he was confident that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), under Rahman's "capable leadership", would carry forward Khaleda Zia's ideals, helping to chart a new course for the future and further enrich the "deep and historic partnership" between India and Bangladesh.
The letter was handed over to Tarique Rahman on Wednesday when India's external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar, visited Dhaka to pay his last respects to Khaleda Zia. During the visit, Jaishankar met Rahman and formally delivered the Indian prime minister's message.
In the letter, Modi referred to the "irreparable personal and national loss" caused by Khaleda Zia's death and prayed for the eternal peace of her departed soul.
Recalling his meeting and discussions with Khaleda Zia in Dhaka in June 2015, Modi wrote that she was a rare leader of determination and strong principles, who earned the distinction of becoming Bangladesh's first woman prime minister. He noted that she had made "significant contributions" to Bangladesh's development as well as to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations.
Modi said her passing had created a void that could never truly be filled, but emphasised that her ideals and political legacy would endure.
Addressing Tarique Rahman directly, Modi wrote: "I am confident that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, under your able leadership, will carry forward those ideals. They will act as a guiding light in ensuring a new journey and in further deepening the historic and close partnership between India and Bangladesh."
The Indian prime minister also conveyed his sympathy to the people of Bangladesh at a moment of national mourning. He said the country's citizens had consistently demonstrated courage and dignity, and expressed hope that, guided by democratic traditions and national unity, they would continue to move forward on a path of peace and harmony.
Concluding the letter, Modi extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wished them strength and patience to endure the difficult time.
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