Former Bangladesh Minister Mohibul Choudhary considered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as a wise and dynamic leader. He said that today when the interference of fundamentalists has increased in the power of Bangladesh, Zia’s absence will definitely be missed in the times to come.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS on Tuesday (December 30, 2025), the former minister called Zia the ‘soft voice of the right wing’. Chaudhary, leader of Bangladesh Awami League and close to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressed his views on Zia’s tenure ranging from women’s upliftment to her understanding of geopolitics.

Question: How do you view the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia?
Mohibul Chaudhary: According to me, Begum Khaleda Zia was the softest voice among the right-wing leaders of Bangladesh. When she was leading right-wing politics, she understood well the limitations of geopolitics, relations between the two countries and fundamentalist thinking in governance. Despite alliances with parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, she managed to control and rein in the radicals, thereby saving Bangladesh from becoming an institutional theocracy. The impact of his departure will be greatly felt on the political ecosystem of Bangladesh, especially at a time when the influence of fundamentalists is increasing.

Question: How will future generations remember his political legacy?
Mohibul Chaudhary: Many of today’s youth may not fully remember his first term as prime minister, which took place during the difficult transition from military rule to democracy in 1991. Despite poverty, natural disasters, and political opposition, she kept the economy running and led the country toward democratic consolidation. He prioritized women’s empowerment, ensured girls’ access to education and healthcare, and did not compromise on basic welfare rights even while forming alliances with religion-based parties. She will be remembered as a strong but practical leader who believed in democratic balance.

Question: What role did he play in the current political environment of Bangladesh?
Mohibul Chaudhary: At a time when Bangladesh is facing an existential political challenge, his experience, age and political understanding could have helped in bringing about a rapprochement between the two major political streams—BNP and Awami League. His absence has made reconciliation more difficult, but many people still hope that the era of political dialogue will continue in its original spirit.

Question: How do you see Sheikh Hasina’s approach towards Khaleda Zia?
Mohibul Chaudhary: Despite political hostility and legal challenges, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina treated Khaleda Zia with humanity. Hasina ensured that she had access to state-of-the-art health facilities, including treatment by foreign doctors. Khaleda Zia’s health had deteriorated after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, but due to Sheikh Hasina’s earlier decisions, her life was prolonged through necessary medical treatment.

Question: How were Begum Khaleda Zia’s relations with India?
Mohibul Chaudhary: His political alliances sometimes complicated India-Bangladesh relations, and some in his government took damaging actions, particularly in the case of insurgents in India’s Northeast. However, Khaleda Zia herself understood the geopolitical reality of Bangladesh—that stable relations with India were essential for economic and regional stability. Whenever possible, he himself worked to facilitate relations and in 2015 contacted the Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to seek cooperation and political engagement. She was a realist in foreign policy and mutual relations.

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) and will be buried next to the grave of her husband and former President Ziaur Rahman. The interim government gave this information on Tuesday.

Zia, the long-time chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and three-time Prime Minister, died in Dhaka in the morning after prolonged illness. She was 80 years old. News portal ‘bdnews24.com’ quoted legal advisor Asif Nazrul as saying that Jiah’s last rites will be held at Manik Mian Avenue after Johar prayers on Wednesday.

Nazrul told reporters after a special meeting of the advisory council of the interim government at the state guest house in Jamuna that Zia would later be buried with full state honors at the Zia Garden in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, next to the grave of her husband, former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting as a special invitee. Earlier, Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, while addressing the nation, announced three days of state mourning and one day of general holiday. Mohammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation, urged people to maintain restraint and law and order.

He said, ‘I declare three days of state mourning on the demise of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and one day holiday on the day of her cremation tomorrow.’ He said, ‘I know that you all are very sad at this time. I hope you will be patient during this period of mourning and cooperate with all concerned involved in completing all the formalities including his Namaz-e-Janaza. Mohammad Yunus said that the government will provide all kinds of support in the last rites.

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