Dhaka, Jan. 2 -- The condolence letter, penned and signed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and addressed to Tarique Rahman in tribute to Khaleda Zia upon her passing, has arrived in Bangladesh at a moment in history laden with meaning. On one hand, since it is couched in terms of a formal expression of sympathy and diplomatic courtesy, it is important to recognise that this letter has been received and interpreted in a manner that goes well beyond its initial expression of condolence. In a society that is liberating itself from decades of democratic oppression, nothing-not even expressions of condolence-is taken at its literal or immediate face value.

From an overt perspective, the letter strictly maintains diplomatic nicety by bei...