Jaishankar Visits Dhaka to Pay Tribute to Khaleda Zia, Conveys PM Modi’s Condolence
Tuesday on 31st December, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reached Dhaka, Bangladesh to pay tribute to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday early in the morning after a prolonged illness. Representing the Government, S. Jaishankar attended her funeral and conveyed India’s condolences. The visit conveys India’s respect for Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and its engagement with Bangladesh during a significant period. Bangladesh observed state mourning, with large crowds gathering to pay their last respects to the leader, reflecting her significant influence on the politics of the country.
During the visit, S. Jaishankar met senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Khaleda Zia’s son and acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman. He handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing condolence. According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi in the letter has said, “While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.” The meeting was brief and mainly focused on condolence keeping with diplomatic protocol.
Officials have noted that Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka carries diplomatic significance beyond the funeral. According to official sources, the External Affairs Minister has said that Khaleda Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide the development of partnership between India and Bangladesh. The visit came at a time when both countries are navigating the evolving political and regional dynamics, and it was seen as a continuation of India’s neighbourhood diplomacy. Jaishankar also interacted with other delegates present at the funeral.
Begum Khaleda Zia was a leading figure in Bangladesh’s politics and a significant person in the country’s post-independence history. She served thrice as Prime Minister and was the first woman to lead Bangladesh as head of government. As the chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP), she shaped the country’s politics for decades and played a vital role in establishing parliamentary democracy. Her period as the Prime Minister saw important political transitions, and despite all the rivalry and controversy, she remained one of the most influential leaders in Bangladesh’s history. Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s politics, as reported by The Hindu, Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman has stated, “To many, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the Mother of Democracy, the Mother of Bangladesh. Today, the country mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations.” Condolences from across the region, including India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit, highlighted the recognition of her lasting legacy.
