New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his heartfelt condolences to Tarique Rahman on the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. In his letter to Rahman, Prime Minister Modi said his thoughts are with the people of Bangladesh and that while her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. “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. May her soul rest in eternal peace”, the letter read.
PM Modi remembered late Khaleda Zia as a leader of “rare resolve and conviction”. “I warmly recall my meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015. She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations”, the PM said. He recalled her contributions to Bangladesh’s development and to “strengthening India-Bangladesh relations”.
On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.
Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi.
Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and… pic.twitter.com/xXNwJsRTmZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 31, 2025
“While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the 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,” the letter read. “At this moment of national mourning, my thoughts are also with the people of Bangladesh, who have shown remarkable strength and dignity throughout their 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”, it added.
“Please accept my heartfelt condolences once again. I pray to the Almighty to grant you and your family the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time. I also extend my best wishes to you in your future endeavours”, PM Modi said. On December 31, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka and met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and conveyed India’s deepest condolences on the death of his mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia”. He said he handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman.”Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India”, Jaishankar said. He also expressed confidence in Khaleda Zia’s legacy and its relevance to bilateral ties. “Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership”, he added.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said that the visit by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would see New Delhi and Dhaka script a new chapter in ties, driven by shared interests. On EAM’s visit to Dhaka, Former Ambassador of India to Bangladesh Veena Sikri called it a good gesture.
(With Inputs from ANI)
