New Delhi

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday paid solemn tributes to former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia and former members of the House L Ganesan and Suresh Kalmadi, who passed away recently.

Soon after the House assembled for the day, Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan read out obituary references for the three leaders before the scheduled business began. Members then observed a moment of silence in their memory.

The Chairman later said that the Secretary General would convey the House’s condolences and deep sympathy to the bereaved families.

While referring to Khaleda Zia, Radhakrishnan said the House noted with profound sorrow the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She passed away on December 30, 2025, following a prolonged illness.

He recalled that Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and served three terms between 1991 and 2006. She was also the leader of the Opposition from 1996 to 2001. The Chairman noted that her leadership contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s development and to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

“The House associates itself with the people and government of Bangladesh in mourning the passing of Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia,” he said.

The Chairman also paid tribute to L Ganesan, who died on January 4, 2026, at the age of 91. Ganesan represented Tamil Nadu in the Rajya Sabha from June 1980 to April 1986. Born on April 4, 1934, in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, he was deeply influenced by the Tamil linguistic movement and entered public life during his student years.

Ganesan went on to serve three terms as a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly between 1967 and 1989. He was also a member of the erstwhile Tamil Nadu Legislative Council and later served in the 14th Lok Sabha.

Radhakrishnan said Ganesan was widely respected for his work in farmers’ movements and for his efforts towards the welfare of marginalised sections of society. “With his passing, the nation has lost a seasoned legislator and a committed public servant,” he said.

The House also remembered Suresh Kalmadi, who passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 81. Kalmadi represented Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha for four terms — from 1982 to 1988, 1988 to 1994, 1994 to 1996 and 1998 to 2004 — and also served in the 11th, 14th and 15th Lok Sabha.

Born on May 1, 1944, in Pune, Kalmadi was an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and began his professional career as a pilot in the Indian Air Force.

The Chairman noted that Kalmadi’s public service spanned more than five decades. He served as Minister of State for Railways and played a prominent role in sports administration, including as president of the Indian Olympic Association from 1996 to 2011 and the Asian Athletics Association from 1999 to 2013. He was conferred the Asian Athletics Association award in 2015.

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“In the passing away of Suresh Kalmadi ji, the nation has lost an experienced parliamentarian and capable administrator,” Radhakrishnan said, adding that the House deeply mourned the loss of both Ganesan and Kalmadi.