South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman described the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a "political titan" who significantly shaped Bangladesh's democratic journey and advocated against military rule. Kugelman noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condolence message and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's attendance at Zia's funeral signal India's desire to re-engage with Bangladesh. This move is seen as a strategic response to the potential return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power, suggesting India's intent to build relations with a future BNP-led government.