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Honoring Khaleda Zia's Legacy: A Call for Inclusive Bangladesh Elections

Former Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri suggests that holding inclusive elections in 2026 would be a fitting tribute to the late former PM Khaleda Zia, recalling her past alliance with Sheikh Hasina to restore democracy. Another former envoy, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, notes that bilateral relations with India during Zia's tenure were often strained, marked by security concerns like support for northeastern insurgents. Despite these past tensions, Chakravarty states that India continued engagement and invited Zia for an official visit. Both diplomats emphasize that future India-Bangladesh relations will be reassessed following the formation of a democratically elected government after the 2026 polls.

Key Points: Khaleda Zia's Legacy & Call for Inclusive Bangladesh Elections

  • Call for inclusive 2026 elections
  • Zia & Hasina's shared democratic fight
  • Bilateral ties were historically turbulent
  • Security concerns during Zia's tenure
  • Future ties hinge on democratic government
3 min read

Experts reckon holding inclusive election would honour former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's legacy

Former Indian envoys say inclusive 2026 polls would honor Khaleda Zia's democratic legacy, while noting past bilateral challenges under her rule.

"I think that in her legacy, inclusive elections would be a very good idea... - Veena Sikri, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh"

Dhaka, Dec 30

Expressing grief over the passing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, on Tuesday said her legacy should be honoured through inclusive elections to be held in February 2026, with the participation of the Awami League. Sikri noted that both the former Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, had fought side by side to restore democracy in the country.

Speaking exclusively to IANS following Khaleda Zia's demise, the former Indian diplomat said, "I think that in her legacy, inclusive elections would be a very good idea because she has on two occasions, fought side by side with Sheikh Hasina for bringing back democracy to Bangladesh and for insisting that elections be held. So I think in her memory it will be good to have inclusive elections and bring Awami League into the poll fray."

Sikri also underscored Khaleda Zia's role in consolidating BNP, following the assassination of her husband and former President Zia-ur Rahman.

Commenting on the electoral impact after Khaleda Zia's death, Sikri said, "In the present situation in Bangladesh, I think certainly there will be a lot of sympathy for the BNP, for her, but there are still six weeks left for the election, and she's been ill for a very long time. So, I think that it will not make much material difference in the election. I think the fight has to continue for it to be inclusive elections."

Another former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, said that India-Bangladesh relations during the tenure of Khaleda Zia were often turbulent, marked by emphasis on a more Islamic identity, closer ties with Pakistan and a certain degree of anti-India sentiment

Chakravarty highlighted that during Khaleda Zia's last term in office, India faced major security concerns. "One of them was funnelling arms to the insurgents in the northeast. They were accommodated in camps there. The ULFA chief was living there openly, doing business and trying to conduct an insurgency in Assam. So that all happened during her time," he told IANS.

Despite these challenges, Chakravarty noted New Delhi continued efforts to maintain bilateral engagement and invited Khaleda Zia to visit India during her tenure as Prime Minister.

The former diplomat further stated that bilateral ties with Bangladesh will be reassessed following the formation of a democratically-elected government in Dhaka after the February 2026 elections.

"So ties are now going to be reevaluated, I think. We will have a new government. And so India is willing to deal with that government, particularly if it's a democratically elected government," he stressed

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting read. The part about ULFA camps is concerning. As an Indian, our primary concern is security and peace in the Northeast. Hoping the 2026 elections bring a government in Dhaka that is a genuine partner for regional stability. 🤝
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Priyanka N
Respect to Khaleda Zia for her role in Bangladesh's democracy. But we cannot forget the period when anti-India sentiment was stoked and our security was compromised. India's consistent outreach, even then, shows our commitment to good neighborly relations. Jai Hind.
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Aman W
The diplomats are being diplomatic, as expected. The article mentions "turbulent" ties but glosses over how difficult that period was. A more inclusive election is good in theory, but the ground reality in Bangladesh politics is very different. Let's see what happens.
K
Kavya N
It's a nuanced perspective. She was a key political figure and her passing marks an era's end. For the sake of the people of Bangladesh, I hope all parties participate in 2026. A strong, democratic Bangladesh is good for the entire subcontinent. 🙏
M
Michael C
A respectful and pragmatic take from the Indian side. Acknowledging the shared history of fighting for democracy while being clear-eyed about past challenges. This is how mature foreign policy is conducted.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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