Tue Dec 30 17:06:33 UTC 2025: Summary:

Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has died. The article details her long political career and its significant interactions with Indian leadership, starting from the late 1970s when her husband was President, and continuing through her terms as Prime Minister and later as leader of the opposition. The article highlights key moments in India-Bangladesh relations during her time, including discussions on SAARC, tensions following the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and Indian concerns about terrorism.

News Article:

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Passes Away; Legacy Marked by Complex India Ties

New Delhi – December 30, 2025 – Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has died. Her career spanned decades and involved a complex relationship with India.

Zia’s interactions with Indian leadership began in the 1970s, accompanying her husband, then-President Ziaur Rahman, on diplomatic visits. She later became the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 1991.

During her time in power, Zia navigated critical moments in India-Bangladesh relations. She championed SAARC, but also faced tensions following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India. India also expressed concerns regarding terrorism and insurgency in Bangladesh during her second term as Prime Minister. Despite these challenges, she maintained ties, signing a revised trade pact with India in 2006.

Her last formal visit to India was in 2012, when she was Leader of the Opposition. She met with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders.

Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era, as she was a key figure in Bangladeshi politics and played a significant role in shaping the dynamic between Bangladesh and India for decades.

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