In a solemn ceremony marked by an outpouring of national grief, former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia was laid to rest on Wednesday. She was buried with full state honours beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in Dhaka. Hundreds of thousands of emotional citizens gathered to bid farewell to the three-time premier, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.
India's Diplomatic Gesture at the Funeral
The funeral saw a significant diplomatic gesture from India. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, representing India among foreign dignitaries, personally handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman. Tarique, who is the BNP's acting chairperson, returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after more than 17 years of self-exile in London and is seen as a key political figure ahead of the upcoming elections.
In his message, PM Modi expressed that Khaleda Zia's passing leaves an irreplaceable void. He conveyed confidence that her vision and legacy would be carried forward under Tarique Rahman's leadership of the BNP. Modi described her ideals as a "guiding light" for ensuring a new beginning and enriching the deep, historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.
"Handed over to him a personal letter from PM Narendra Modi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India," Jaishankar posted on social media platform X after the meeting.
A Nation Bids Farewell to a Political Icon
The capital city of Dhaka witnessed an unprecedented gathering as people from all walks of life converged to pay their last respects. The news of her death prompted a massive influx of mourners from across the country. Her coffin, draped in the national flag, was transported in a convoy from her residence to the funeral site at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament Building).
Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman were among those who joined the funeral prayers, led by Baitul Mokarram National Mosque's chief cleric Mohammad Abdul Kader. Senior BNP member Nazrul Islam Khan read a brief biography of the late leader. Thousands of supporters, many carrying flags with Zia's photograph, gathered outside the parliament complex for a final glimpse.
"Please pray to Allah seeking her place in heaven," Tarique Rahman urged the crowd ahead of the prayers. The funeral was attended by representatives from 33 countries, including ambassadors and heads of international organisations based in Dhaka, alongside senior leaders from Pakistan, Nepal, and other nations.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter in India-Bangladesh Ties
The high-level Indian presence and the personal letter from the Indian Prime Minister underscore the importance New Delhi places on its relationship with Dhaka, regardless of the political landscape. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, who was present in Dhaka, remarked that the two countries would look forward to scripting a new chapter in their bilateral ties.
This diplomatic outreach occurs at a critical juncture, with Bangladesh preparing for national elections. The gesture is seen as India's acknowledgment of Khaleda Zia's enduring political legacy and its commitment to engaging with all major stakeholders in Bangladesh to foster continued stability and partnership in the region.
