India honours former Bangladesh leader through high-level diplomatic visit
India extended its heartfelt sympathies to Bangladesh following the demise of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Representing the Indian government, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the final rites and offer direct condolences to the bereaved family.
During his visit, the External Affairs Minister held a significant meeting with Tarique Rahman, the son of the late leader and current acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Jaishankar handed over a personal condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing India’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this period of national mourning.
The three-time former Prime Minister, who was 80 years old, breathed her last at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka early Tuesday morning after battling prolonged health issues. As the first woman to lead the nation, her death marks the end of a major era in South Asian politics.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, highlighted the importance of the visit on social media. He noted that Jaishankar’s presence reflects the respect India holds for Zia’s contributions to democracy. The atmosphere in Dhaka was one of deep solemnity as thousands of citizens and BNP supporters gathered at Manik Mia Avenue to pay their final respects.
For decades, Khaleda Zia remained a titan of Bangladeshi politics. Her leadership shaped the democratic framework of the country and influenced the trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations. By sending a high-level representative for the S Jaishankar Khaleda Zia funeral visit, New Delhi has signaled its continued commitment to maintaining strong ties with its neighbor during this transition.
The state funeral saw a massive outpouring of emotion from the public, reflecting her enduring legacy. As the funeral ceremonies concluded, the diplomatic gesture by India was seen as a vital step in reinforcing regional stability and mutual respect between the two nations.
