Dhaka, Dec 30 (NationPress) Former Minister of Bangladesh, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, stated that the late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's alliances with various political parties created complexities in Bangladesh's relationship with India.

In a conversation with IANS, Chowdhury paid homage to Zia, who passed away early Tuesday morning in Dhaka at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. He noted that while Zia made significant efforts to maintain a harmonious relationship with India, she lacked control over certain government factions that negatively impacted Dhaka-New Delhi relations.

"Khaleda Zia's political coalitions complicated the ties with India. In many respects, she may not have had full authority over governmental actions, which had occasionally taken damaging steps to assist insurgents in northeastern India. However, it is evident that she always sought to engage with Indian leadership and aimed to keep the bilateral relationship amicable, understanding that Bangladesh's survival is closely tied to India, given its geographical proximity," Chowdhury, who served as Education Minister under Sheikh Hasina, commented to IANS.

"Zia acknowledged this reality. Thus, she endeavored to ensure a smooth relationship with India. Nevertheless, certain elements within her government, which she could not fully control, caused harm to the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship. Whenever possible, she reached out to Indian leaders, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after he assumed office in 2014, to foster political friendship and collaboration with the BJP. She was a pragmatic leader regarding political decisions and international relations," he added.

Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury described Khaleda Zia as "the most moderate voice" among Bangladesh's right-wing politicians. He commended her for sustaining the economy despite the country facing significant poverty and natural disasters during her first term as Prime Minister.

"In my perspective, Khaleda Zia represented the most moderate stance among right-wing politicians in Bangladesh. She led the country's right-wing politics while also comprehending the importance of geopolitics and international relations. Notably, she recognized that extreme political ideologies are often unsuitable for effective governance. During her tenure, even with alliances like Jamaat-e-Islami, she managed to regulate them and maintain a balanced political environment, avoiding a shift towards a Pakistan-style theocracy. Her passing will undoubtedly impact the political landscape of Bangladesh, especially as the country grapples with rising extremism aided by figures like Professor Yunus," he remarked.

He highlighted that Khaleda Zia continued to empower women despite the presence of religion-based parties in her coalition. Moreover, he indicated that the current generation in Bangladesh believes that reconciliation between the Awami League and BNP is crucial to addressing the country's existential challenges.

"Today's urban youth may not be fully aware of Zia's initial tenure as Prime Minister, which was fraught with difficulties. After transitioning from military rule to democracy in 1991, she secured public support amidst active opposition parties. The country faced numerous challenges, including poverty and natural disasters, yet she effectively maintained economic stability. Her capable leadership paved the way for democratic progress and development," he stated.

The former minister emphasized that Zia did not yield to extremists regarding women's empowerment and ensuring equal educational opportunities for girls. "Some regard her as an unwavering political leader during her opposition years. This legacy will resonate with the current generation, which feels that the two principal political factions, the Awami League and the BNP, must reconcile to confront the current existential crisis. Her absence in the political arena will pose additional challenges, as her age, wisdom, and experience might have facilitated the necessary reconciliation better than the current leadership," he elaborated.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also extended her condolences upon Khaleda Zia's passing.

"Sheikh Hasina has expressed her condolences, demonstrating compassion in her dealings with Khaleda Zia despite past legal disputes. She ensured that Zia received top-tier medical care, particularly as Zia's health deteriorated following Hasina's departure from power. Hasina arranged for advanced medical facilities for Zia, inviting foreign medical experts to provide critical surgeries, which significantly improved her condition," said Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury.

"One reason for her survival despite numerous health challenges was those life-saving procedures directed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina's humane approach to Khaleda Zia's situation, keeping her at home rather than in prison and facilitating international medical care, reflects a deeper humanity than their perceived rivalry might suggest," he concluded.