India's Narendra Modi says Khaleda Zia’s death leaves a void but her legacy will endure

In his condolence message, the Indian PM expresses his confidence in Tarique Rahman’s leadership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that although the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia has created an “irreplaceable void”, her vision and legacy will continue to endure.

Expressing confidence that her ideals will be carried forward under the leadership of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Modi said her ideals “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 made the remarks in a condolence message addressed to Tarique.

Dated Dec 30, Modi said in the message that he was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Khaleda, describing her as a leader of “rare resolve and conviction” and recalling their meetings and discussions in Dhaka in June 2015.

He noted that Khaleda had the distinction of being the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and had made “many important contributions” to the country’s development, as well as to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations.

“At this moment of national mourning, my thoughts are also with the people of Bangladesh,” Modi said, praising their “remarkable strength and dignity” and expressing hope that they would continue to be guided by shared values, democratic traditions, and national unity.

The Indian prime minister also conveyed his prayers for strength and fortitude for Tarique and his family to overcome the loss, extending his best wishes to the BNP leader in his future endeavours.

Khaleda, a three-time prime minister and longtime leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was buried with full state honours around 4:30pm on Wednesday beside her husband, BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan.

She died at 79 on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital after suffering from prolonged illnesses.