In a significant diplomatic gesture, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, on Wednesday personally conveyed the nation's condolences to the family of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. During a meeting in Dhaka, Jaishankar handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and eldest son of the late leader.
A Personal Gesture Amid Mourning
The meeting took place shortly after Jaishankar arrived in the Bangladeshi capital to represent India at the funeral of the veteran leader, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar confirmed the details of the interaction. He stated he handed over the personal letter from PM Modi and conveyed the deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India.
Jaishankar also underscored the long-term influence Khaleda Zia had on the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring countries. "Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership," he added in his post.
Recognising a Democratic Legacy
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, provided further context on the meeting. He noted that Jaishankar recognised Khaleda Zia's substantial contribution to democracy in Bangladesh. The Indian minister also expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations following the country's ongoing democratic transition, with crucial national elections scheduled for February 2026.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, was a dominant political figure for decades, serving three terms and playing a pivotal role in restoring democratic governance after years of military rule. Her body was taken to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, where family, including Tarique Rahman, gathered to pay their last respects.
Final Rites and Regional Solidarity
The Namaz-e-Janaza for the former prime minister was held at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue. The ceremony was attended by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and other senior dignitaries. Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
India's official participation was led by EAM Jaishankar. Senior representatives from several other South Asian nations, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, were also in attendance, highlighting the regional significance of the leader's passing.
Bangladesh declared a public holiday and a three-day period of state mourning. Authorities deployed extensive security measures for the funeral, with over 10,000 police and Armed Police Battalion personnel managing the event and restricting vehicular movement on key routes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed profound sorrow over Khaleda Zia's death, recalling his meeting with her in Dhaka back in 2015. Tributes have poured in from global leaders and organisations, reflecting the enduring political legacy of the BNP chairperson.
