In a significant diplomatic gesture, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, personally met with Mr. Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in Dhaka on Wednesday. The meeting followed the passing of his mother and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
A Personal Message from the Prime Minister
During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar fulfilled a key diplomatic mission by handing over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mr. Tarique Rahman. The letter contained a message of solidarity and condolence from the Indian leadership. The External Affairs Minister is representing India at the funeral proceedings for the late BNP chief, underscoring the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Bangladesh across the political spectrum.
Conveying India's Deepest Condolences
Dr. Jaishankar conveyed the deepest condolences on behalf of the Government of India and the people of the nation. His presence in Dhaka at this time highlights India's commitment to maintaining strong and respectful ties with its neighbour, especially during moments of national grief. The visit and the personal letter from PM Modi are seen as gestures of empathy and continuity in diplomacy.
Context and Diplomatic Significance
The demise of Khaleda Zia, a two-term former Prime Minister and a central figure in Bangladeshi politics for decades, marks the end of an era. Her son, Tarique Rahman, who is currently the acting chairman of the BNP, resides abroad. Dr. Jaishankar's direct engagement with him is a notable diplomatic move. It demonstrates India's nuanced approach to engaging with all major political stakeholders in Bangladesh, a country with which it shares deep historical, cultural, and economic bonds.
The swift diplomatic response, with the EAM traveling to Dhaka, aligns with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The act of delivering a personal letter from the Indian Prime Minister adds a layer of warmth and respect to the official condolences, potentially fostering goodwill during a sensitive political transition within Bangladesh's opposition.
