NewKerala.com

Remembering Khaleda Zia: The Leader Who Held Bangladesh's BNP Together

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, recalling her as a friendly and accessible leader during her 2003-2006 tenure. Sikri specifically credited Zia with preventing the collapse of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), highlighting her significant political legacy. Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, died at 80 in Dhaka after a prolonged battle with multiple serious health complications. Her death has been described by BNP leaders as a great setback for the party and a massive loss for the nation.

Key Points: Ex-Indian Envoy Mourns Khaleda Zia, Credits Her for BNP's Survival

  • First female PM of Bangladesh
  • Praised for preventing BNP's collapse
  • Died at 80 after long illness
  • Son returned days before her passing
2 min read

"She didn't let the BNP collapse," Ex Indian Envoy to Baangladesh mourns Zia's death

Former Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri recalls PM Khaleda Zia's tenure, praising her role in preventing BNP's collapse and sharing personal memories.

"She didn't let the BNP collapse. - Veena Sikri, Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh"

New Delhi, December 31

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri recounted her days in Bangladesh with Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister.

Sikri lauded Zia's tenure as she did not let the BNP collapse.

She said, "She was the Prime Minister when I was High Commissioner in Dhaka between 2003 and 2006... She was very friendly, and she never refused a meeting... I really do feel very sorry that she has passed away. She had a very difficult last few months and years, critically ill... Her son, Tarique Rehman, returned to Dhaka just four days ago, and now she has passed away. I think certainly she will be remembered as Bangladesh's first Lady Prime Minister... She didn't let the BNP collapse... In terms of politics, I think the situation has already been factored..."

Begum Khaleda Zia died in the early morning on Tuesday at the age of 80, while she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

According to a BNP statement on Facebook, Zia died at around 6 am (local time), shortly after the Fajr prayer.

"We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul," it added.

Zia was admitted to the capital Dhaka's Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection. The former Prime Minister has been suffering from various physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, for a long time, and earlier this month, she was sent to London for advanced medical treatment for her ailments.

Following the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Tuesday morning, party leaders expressed their deep sorrow, calling it a "great setback" for the party and a "massive loss" for the nation.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's interesting to hear the perspective of a former Indian diplomat. The comment about her not letting the BNP collapse highlights her political resilience. The India-Bangladesh relationship is crucial for regional stability.
P
Priya S
Very sad news. As a neighbour, we feel the loss. Her tenure saw many developments. Hoping for continued peace and prosperity in Bangladesh. Our condolences to the people there.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while we mourn her passing, we must also remember the political context. The BNP's stance on certain issues, especially regarding extremism, was often a point of concern for India's security. History will judge her legacy in full.
R
Rohit P
End of an era. Bangladesh's politics is deeply intertwined with ours, from the 1971 war to river water sharing. Hope her passing doesn't create a political vacuum that affects regional harmony.
M
Michael C
The personal touch from the former High Commissioner is noteworthy—calling her "very friendly." Diplomacy often works on such personal equations. A loss for her supporters and family.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50