Thursday, 29 January, 2026
New Delhi expresses rare cross-border tribute as Rajya Sabha adopts condolence motion for Bangladesh’s former prime minister, acknowledging her role in development and India–Bangladesh relations
India’s Rajya Sabha on Wednesday adopted a condolence motion mourning the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, marking a significant moment of parliamentary tribute amid a period of strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The motion, tabled in the Upper House of Parliament following the President’s address, expressed condolences over the deaths of Khaleda Zia and two former Rajya Sabha members—L Ganesan and Suresh Kalmadi. After obituary references were read, the House paid tribute before being adjourned for the day.
Speaking on the occasion, India’s Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said Khaleda Zia had made “significant contributions” to Bangladesh’s development and played an important role in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh. Indian media reported that the tribute was observed shortly after the Secretary General placed a copy of the President’s address before the House.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and a towering figure in South Asian politics, died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. She had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was placed on ventilator support from December 11.
Her death comes at a time of heightened political uncertainty in Bangladesh, ahead of the February 2026 general election, and following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024—a development that has further complicated Dhaka–New Delhi relations.
On the day of her passing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, recalling her contributions to Bangladesh and the bilateral partnership. Sharing photographs from their 2015 meeting, Modi said Khaleda Zia’s vision and legacy would continue to shape India–Bangladesh relations.
While Khaleda Zia worked to expand engagement with India, her foreign policy was often marked by a careful balance between New Delhi and other regional powers, including China and Pakistan. Though her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), at times employed anti-India rhetoric, she projected herself as a defender of Bangladesh’s national interests.
Bangladesh’s political landscape is now being reshaped by the return of her son, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is widely seen as a frontrunner in the upcoming election. Campaigning on a platform of national unity and a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, Tarique has pledged an approach of strategic equidistance—summed up in his slogan: “Not Dilli, not Pindi—Bangladesh before everything.”
The Rajya Sabha’s tribute, observers note, underscores Khaleda Zia’s enduring regional stature, even as India and Bangladesh navigate one of the most delicate phases in their diplomatic relationship in recent years.
Tags:# Bangladesh # india # Khaleda Zia # Indian parliament # Bangladesh-Indian relations
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New Delhi expresses rare cross-border tribute as Rajya Sabha adopts condolence motion for Bangladesh’s former prime minister, acknowledging her role in development and India–Bangladesh relations
India’s Rajya Sabha on Wednesday adopted a condolence motion mourning the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, marking a significant moment of parliamentary tribute amid a period of strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The motion, tabled in the Upper House of Parliament following the President’s address, expressed condolences over the deaths of Khaleda Zia and two former Rajya Sabha members—L Ganesan and Suresh Kalmadi. After obituary references were read, the House paid tribute before being adjourned for the day.
Speaking on the occasion, India’s Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said Khaleda Zia had made “significant contributions” to Bangladesh’s development and played an important role in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh. Indian media reported that the tribute was observed shortly after the Secretary General placed a copy of the President’s address before the House.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and a towering figure in South Asian politics, died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. She had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 and was placed on ventilator support from December 11.
Her death comes at a time of heightened political uncertainty in Bangladesh, ahead of the February 2026 general election, and following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024—a development that has further complicated Dhaka–New Delhi relations.
On the day of her passing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, recalling her contributions to Bangladesh and the bilateral partnership. Sharing photographs from their 2015 meeting, Modi said Khaleda Zia’s vision and legacy would continue to shape India–Bangladesh relations.
While Khaleda Zia worked to expand engagement with India, her foreign policy was often marked by a careful balance between New Delhi and other regional powers, including China and Pakistan. Though her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), at times employed anti-India rhetoric, she projected herself as a defender of Bangladesh’s national interests.
Bangladesh’s political landscape is now being reshaped by the return of her son, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is widely seen as a frontrunner in the upcoming election. Campaigning on a platform of national unity and a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, Tarique has pledged an approach of strategic equidistance—summed up in his slogan: “Not Dilli, not Pindi—Bangladesh before everything.”
The Rajya Sabha’s tribute, observers note, underscores Khaleda Zia’s enduring regional stature, even as India and Bangladesh navigate one of the most delicate phases in their diplomatic relationship in recent years.
Tags:# Bangladesh # india # Khaleda Zia # Indian parliament # Bangladesh-Indian relations
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