PM Modi’s Letter of Condolence to Khaleda Zia’s Son After Her Demise - 'Dear Tarique Rahman Saheb…'

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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in a letter expressed his condolences to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday after a pro-longed illness.Zia, the three-time prime minister and a towering political figure, died at the age of 80.In his letter, PM Modi said, "Dear Tarique Rahman Saheb, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your mother, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace."

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PM Modi, in the letter, recalled his meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015.The Prime Minister said, "She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction, and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh.""She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," his letter mentioned.ALSO READ | Khaleda Zia: The Accidental PM Who Became a Giant of Bangladesh Politics

'Zia's Legacy Will Continue To Guide...': PM Mod in Letter to Tarique Rahman

Further, PM Modi said that Khaleda Zia's vision and legacy will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and enrichment of India and Bangladesh ties."While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," he said.

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In another mention, PM Modi said, "At this moment of national mourning, my thoughts are also with the people of Bangladesh, who have shown remarkable strength and dignity throughout their history. I am confident that they will continue to be guided by their shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity, as they move forward in peace and harmony."The Prime Minister concluded his message to Tarique Rahman saying, "Please accept my heartfelt condolences once again. I pray to the Almighty to grant you and your family the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time. I also extend my best wishes to you in your future endeavours."ALSO READ | Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s First Woman Prime Minister, Dies at 80 After Prolonged Illness

EAM Jaishankar Hands Over PM Modi's Letter to Tarique Rahman

Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had represented India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia and handed over PM Modi's letter of condolence to Rahman.

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In his meeting with Rahman, a front-runner for prime ministership in the February 12 parliamentary polls, Jaishankar expressed confidence that Zia's "vision and values" will guide the development of partnership between the two nations.Rahman, currently serving as the acting chairman of BNP, is the eldest son of Zia.With inputs from PTI