Senior South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman described the late Khaleda Zia as a “political titan” whose career shaped Bangladesh’s modern democratic era. Zia, who served three terms as prime minister and was the country’s first woman head of government, died aged 80 after a prolonged illness. Thousands gathered for her namaz-e-janaza in Dhaka before she was buried beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.
India-Bangladesh relations
Kugelman told ANI that India’s swift response — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolence message and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s decision to attend the funeral — should be read as an overture to re-engage with Dhaka. “PM Modi very quickly issued condolence readings after the passing of Zia, and the EAM attending her funeral is significant,” Kugelman said, adding that the gestures reflect New Delhi’s interest in resetting ties ahead of what could be a change in Bangladesh’s political leadership.
Analysts have long watched the rivalry between Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League as the defining feature of Bangladeshi politics. Kugelman argued it is important to acknowledge Zia’s contributions beyond that rivalry, noting her role opposing military rule and advocating democratic governance at critical moments in the country’s history.
India’s diplomatic manoeuvres appear to be forward-looking. Kugelman suggested there is a “very good chance” that the BNP could lead the next government and that New Delhi would welcome stronger ties with a BNP-led administration. He named Tarique Rahman as a possible BNP leader who could foster closer engagement with India, while also warning that overtures may carry domestic political risks for any incoming Bangladeshi government.
“There seems to be a recognition that it’s important to get this relationship back on track,” Kugelman said. “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.”
New Delhi’s prompt public condolences and ministerial presence at state funerals are classic diplomatic signals. They serve both to honour a prominent figure and to communicate priorities to domestic and international audiences. In this case, India’s response also reinforces its longstanding interest in stability and constructive relations with Bangladesh, a neighbour with deep economic, cultural and strategic ties to India.
Observers note that smooth bilateral ties are in the mutual interest of both countries. Trade, connectivity projects and energy cooperation have been important pillars of India-Bangladesh relations in recent years. Any shift in Dhaka’s government could prompt fresh negotiations on these topics and create opportunities for accelerated cooperation.
For many in Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia’s death closes a chapter in a polarised political era. For regional capitals, it is a reminder of the unpredictable pace of political change and the need to recalibrate outreach. India’s visible engagement following Zia’s passing signals readiness to pursue a pragmatic relationship with whatever government emerges, while being mindful of sensitivities on both sides.
As Bangladesh prepares for its next political cycle, diplomats in New Delhi and elsewhere will be watching closely. The coming months may reveal whether the signals sent at Zia’s funeral translate into renewed diplomatic momentum between India and Bangladesh, and how domestic political pressures within Bangladesh shape any future rapprochement.
Key Takeaways:
- Senior analyst Michael Kugelman calls Khaleda Zia a “political titan” and highlights her role in restoring democracy.
- India’s quick condolence from Prime Minister Modi and EAM Jaishankar’s funeral attendance signal renewed focus on India-Bangladesh relations.
- Analyst predicts a strong chance of BNP leading the next government, which could open a window for bilateral re-engagement.
- Domestic anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh may complicate any rapid rapprochement.
