PM Modi hopes for 'new beginnings' in India-Bangladesh ties in letter to Tarique Rehman

In a letter to Bangladesh Nationalists Party's acting chairman Tarique Rehman, PM Narendra Modi condoled the death of ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, who was the mother of Rehman.

In his letter dated December 30, Modi wrote that he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the BNP Begum Khaleda Zia, sending his condolences to Rehman on this "irreparable personal loss".

May her soul rest in eternal peace, Modi's letter read.


Hoping for "new beginnings" in India-Bangladesh ties, PM Modi expressed confidence that under Rehman's leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party will carry forward Khaleda Zia's ideals, using them as a guiding light to forge a new path and further enrich the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.

Modi recalled his meeting with the former PM in Dhaka in June 2015, calling her a "rare leader of unwavering resolve and principled conviction, who had the distinction of becoming Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister."

She made immensely significant contributions to the development of Bangladesh and to strengthening India–Bangladesh relations, Modi wrote.

While Khaleda Zia's passing has created an irreparable void, her ideals and legacy will endure forever, Modi wrote.

"I am confident that under your capable leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party will carry forward those ideals. At the same time, they will serve as a guiding light to chart a new course and further enrich the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," Modi's letter to Rehman read.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented the government and people of India at Khaleda Zia’s funeral in Dhaka on December 31, 2025. marking New Delhi’s official participation in the state ceremony.

During his visit, Jaishankar met with Tarique Rahman and personally handed over a letter from PM Modi conveying India’s official condolence message.

The visit was significant as the first by a top Indian dignitary to Dhaka since the start of Bangladesh's recent political turmoil.