External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to convey the condolences of the Indian government and people following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia. During his visit, Jaishankar met BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing sympathy over the loss.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he conveyed India’s “deepest condolences” to the family of Khaleda Zia and acknowledged her role in Bangladesh’s political life. He added that he expressed confidence that Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide the development of India–Bangladesh relations.
Jaishankar also recognised Khaleda Zia’s contribution to democracy in Bangladesh and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties in the context of a democratic transition following the country’s upcoming elections. According to officials, the External Affairs Minister is in Dhaka to represent India at Zia’s funeral.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, shared photographs of the meeting on X, stating that Jaishankar conveyed condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people as Bangladesh mourns the former Prime Minister. The post noted that Jaishankar acknowledged Zia’s democratic legacy and expressed hope for stronger India–Bangladesh ties after the elections scheduled for February 2026.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s demise, remembering her as a historic leader whose contributions to Bangladesh and to bilateral relations with India would be remembered.
Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political figures, died early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. She was 80. She had been admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on November 23 after developing serious heart and lung complications. Media reports said she was also battling pneumonia and remained under close medical observation for 36 days, with doctors describing her condition as fragile.
As news of her death spread, thousands of people from across Bangladesh began arriving at Manik Mia Avenue near the Parliament Complex in Dhaka to pay their final respects. Security was tightened across the capital, with local media reporting that 27 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh were deployed at strategic locations to maintain order during the funeral proceedings.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.
Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s politics. As the country prepares for her funeral and an upcoming electoral process, leaders from India and Bangladesh have highlighted her role in shaping the nation’s democratic journey and regional relations.
