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Khaleda Zia: A Political Titan Who Shaped Bangladesh's Democracy

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman has described the late former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a "political titan" for her role in shaping the country's democratic journey. He noted that her advocacy against military rule cemented her legacy as a central political figure for decades. Kugelman also interpreted India's swift diplomatic condolences and high-level funeral attendance as a signal of intent to re-engage with Bangladesh, anticipating a potential BNP-led government. However, he cautioned that any future government extending ties with India may face domestic political risks due to prevailing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.

Key Points: Khaleda Zia: Political Titan of Bangladesh Remembered

  • Advocated democracy against military rule
  • India signals re-engagement with condolences
  • BNP may lead next government
  • Domestic risks in Bangladesh-India ties
3 min read

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman calls Khaleda Zia 'political titan' of Bangladesh

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman calls late PM Khaleda Zia a "political titan" who shaped Bangladesh's democracy. India's outreach signals re-engagement amid potential BNP return.

"Zia was a political Titan in Bangladesh. – Michael Kugelman"

Washington, DC, January 1

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman described late former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a "political titan," saying she played a key role in shaping the country's democratic journey and remained a central figure in its politics for decades.

Kugelman said that Zia was a prominent advocate of democracy who stood up to military rule.

He also added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condolence message and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's decision to attend her funeral signal India's intent to re-engage with Bangladesh amid signs that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could return to power in the next government.

In an interview with ANI, Kugelman on Wednesday said, "Zia was a political Titan in Bangladesh. It's common to frame her role in Bangladesh's politics in the context of her notoriously bitter rival with Sheikh Hasina. But we do need to give some credit for what she did as a leader. She was a prominent advocate of democracy in Bangladesh when she stood against the military."

"PM Modi very quickly issued condolence readings after the passing of Zia, and the EAM attending her funeral is significant. It should perhaps be seen with an eye toward what is coming in Bangladesh's politics," he said.

"There's a very good chance that the BNP will lead the next government in Bangladesh. The Indian government will be keen to engage with a government led by the BNP. There seems to be a recognition that it's important to get this relationship back on track. I suspect that the BNP government, which Tarique Rahman could lead, would be willing to reciprocate. However, given the current climate in Bangladesh, where there's a lot of anti-India sentiment, there could be some domestic political risks for the next elected government in Bangladesh to extend a hand to the Indian side," he added.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman Prime Minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A dominant figure in national politics for decades, she led the country for three terms and played a key role in restoring democracy following years of military rule.

Zia was laid to rest today beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, according to Daily Star.

Zia was laid to rest following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the report said.

Thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia's death, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh, and recalling his meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. India's quick diplomatic outreach is smart, preparing for all political scenarios. The mention of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh is a real concern though. Hope the next government, whoever leads it, prioritizes good neighborly relations for mutual economic benefits.
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Priya S
Rest in peace to a formidable leader. As an Indian, I remember the ups and downs in relations during her tenure. It's wise for our government to send strong condolences. We share so much history and culture with Bangladesh—we must keep the dialogue open, regardless of which party is in power.
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Rohit P
Kugelman's point about the BNP possibly returning is huge. Our foreign policy needs to be agile. But let's be honest, the BNP's past stance hasn't always been friendly. India's gesture is good, but we must be prepared for a tough relationship if they come to power. Security and trade are non-negotiable.
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Meera T
A respectful comment, but I have to say: while acknowledging her role is fine, we must not whitewash history. Some policies during her time created challenges for India. Our government's current approach seems balanced—paying respects while clearly keeping our national interests in mind. That's how diplomacy should work.
D
David E
The term "political titan" fits. She shaped an era. From an Indian perspective, the immediate condolences show maturity. You engage with neighbors as they are, not as you wish them to be. The connectivity projects between our countries are too important to be held hostage by political changes next door.

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