Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s passing has created an irreplaceable void, but 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 in a letter to Begum Zia's son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar handed over the personal letter from PM Modi to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka.
At this moment of national mourning, PM Modi said his 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," Modi said.
The Indian Prime Minister said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Tarique Rahman's mother.
He warmly recalled his meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015.
"She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction, and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh," said the Indian Prime Minister.
Jaishankar hands over PM Modi’s personal letter to Tarique Rahman
He said Khaleda made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations.
"Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace," Modi said.
He prayed to the Almighty to grant Tarique Rahman and his family the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time.
"I also extend my best wishes to you in your future endeavours," the letter reads.
Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.
She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present.
Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial.
On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.