India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, personally conveyed the condolences of the Indian government and its people to Bangladesh on Wednesday. This gesture came as the neighbouring nation mourns the death of its former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia. Jaishankar is currently in Dhaka and will officially represent India at her state funeral later today.
Condolences and Recognition of a Democratic Legacy
During his visit, Jaishankar met with Bangladeshi officials and recognized Khaleda Zia's significant contributions to the country's democracy. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, confirmed the minister's message in a post on social media platform X. Hamidullah noted that Jaishankar expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties following Bangladesh's upcoming democratic transition through the general election scheduled for February 2026.
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi issued a formal statement confirming the minister's role. Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, the statement read. The former prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.
Final Journey and State Funeral Arrangements
The body of Khaleda Zia was taken to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, on Wednesday where family members, including her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, paid their last respects. The Namaz-e-Janaza, or funeral prayer, is scheduled for 2 PM today at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue. Massive crowds have already gathered at the venue to participate.
The funeral has drawn regional attention, with senior representatives from several South Asian nations, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, expected to attend. Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
The Bangladeshi government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, is conducting the final rites with full state honours. A massive security deployment of over 10,000 police and armed personnel has been arranged. The nation has declared a public holiday on December 31 and a three-day period of state mourning.
Global Tributes and India's Message
Condolences have poured in from across the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow on Tuesday, recalling his warm meeting with Khaleda Zia in Dhaka back in 2015. He extended condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh, hoping her vision would continue to guide bilateral relations.
Tributes also came from global leaders and diplomatic missions. The United Nations, European Union, United States, Russia, and China were among those who acknowledged her pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's modern history and political development. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described her as a committed friend of his country.
As Bangladesh bids farewell to its first woman prime minister, a dominant figure in its politics for decades, the presence of India's external affairs minister underscores the importance New Delhi places on its relationship with Dhaka during this moment of national grief and reflection.
