External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday handed over to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as thousands of people bid farewell to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her funeral.
Shortly after landing in Dhaka, Jaishankar met Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP and the eldest son of Zia, and conveyed India’s deepest condolences over the death of the iconic leader who dominated the country’s politics for over three decades.
The former premier’s funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) was held amid tight security at the Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek conducted the funeral prayers while BNP’s Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief biography of Zia.
The external affairs minister is representing India at Zia’s funeral. “Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
“Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership,” he said.
Zia, a three-time prime minister and the chairperson of BNP, died on Tuesday in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80.
On Tuesday, PM Modi condoled Zia’s death and recalled his meeting with her during his visit to Dhaka in 2015. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss,” Modi said on social media.
High-level dignitaries from South Asian countries, including ministers and parliamentary speakers, converged in Dhaka to attend Zia’s funeral.
Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka comes at a time of strained relations between India and Bangladesh, following the formation of an interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
India has repeatedly voiced concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community.
