New Delhi/Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. He acknowledged her role in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties and said her “important contributions” would always be remembered.

Khaleda Zia, 80, passed away early on Tuesday at a hospital in Dhaka, where she was receiving treatment for a heart and lung infection. Her death comes just weeks before the general elections scheduled for February 12, in which the BNP is expected to emerge as the single largest party.

“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka,” Modi said in a social media post. “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.”

The Prime Minister recalled his warm meeting with Khaleda in Dhaka in 2015 and expressed hope that her vision and legacy would continue to guide bilateral partnership between the two countries. He offered his condolences to her family and to the people of Bangladesh, saying, “May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.”

Tributes from Bangladesh Leaders

Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus also expressed condolences, describing Khaleda as a “symbol of the democratic movement” and “a great guardian” who represented a significant chapter in the nation’s history. Yunus highlighted Khaleda’s role in promoting democracy, establishing a multi-party political culture, and protecting citizens’ rights, saying these contributions would be remembered forever.

Even Khaleda’s longtime political rival and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mourned her passing. Despite decades of rivalry between the BNP and the Awami League, Hasina acknowledged Khaleda’s significant contributions to the country and her struggle to establish democracy. “Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” Hasina said in a statement.

Early Life and Political Journey

Born in Jalpaiguri, India, Khaleda completed her education in Dinajpur before marrying Ziaur Rahman, then a captain in the Pakistan Army, in 1960. During Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, Ziaur Rahman defected from the Pakistan Army and fought against Pakistani forces. He eventually rose to become the army chief and later assumed control as the military ruler in 1976, subsequently founding the BNP.

Following Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in May 1981, Khaleda, who had not previously been active in politics, was compelled to join the party. She became vice president in January 1984 and was later elected as the party’s chairperson. Under her leadership, the BNP formed alliances with other parties and launched movements against military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad, playing a pivotal role in ending nine years of autocratic rule.

Khaleda became the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh after the general elections of 1991. She later served a second consecutive term following the 1996 elections, which were initially boycotted by the opposition. However, Parliament was soon dissolved due to a constitutional amendment regarding caretaker administrations, and Khaleda stepped down. The BNP was defeated in the June 1996 elections, and she became the Leader of Opposition until 2001, when a BNP-led alliance regained power and she served a third term as Prime Minister.

Throughout her political career, Khaleda was never defeated in any election she contested. She introduced initiatives such as free education and stipends for girls, promoting social welfare alongside her governance duties.

Legal Challenges and Later Years

Khaleda’s later years were marked by legal battles and imprisonment. In February 2018, a special court sentenced her to five years in prison in a corruption case. The High Court later increased her sentence to ten years. She was also convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case. Muhammad Yunus described Khaleda as a “victim of extreme political vengeance” for opposing Sheikh Hasina, claiming she was sentenced in “false and fabricated cases.”

Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations

During BNP-led governments, India’s relations with Bangladesh experienced periods of strain. New Delhi had often accused elements within the BNP of supporting anti-India forces. The BNP government was also criticised for overlooking militant activities by groups from India’s northeastern states, which established bases within Bangladesh. Despite these tensions, Khaleda’s efforts in fostering bilateral dialogue and development cooperation remained notable.

Family and Political Legacy

Khaleda is survived by her son Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in self-exile in the UK. He is set to lead the BNP in the upcoming general elections, continuing her political legacy.

Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. As the country prepares for the February elections, her influence and contributions to both national development and India-Bangladesh relations will be remembered, with leaders across political divides acknowledging her role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic landscape.