India sends EAM Jaishankar for Khaleda Zia's final rites
India is set to send a high-level diplomatic representative to neighboring Bangladesh following the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka on December 31, 2025, to attend the funeral services. This move reflects India's official respect for the former leader, who served as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh and led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at the age of 80 during the early hours of Tuesday. She was receiving medical care at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for a persistent lung infection. According to official statements from the BNP, her death occurred shortly after the Fajr prayers. Zia had been battling a variety of chronic health issues for several years, including heart complications, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis. Earlier this month, there were even efforts to facilitate advanced medical treatment for her in London.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his sympathies shortly after the news broke. Expressing deep sorrow, PM Modi extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the citizens of Bangladesh. He noted the loss of a significant political figure and prayed for the family to find strength during this tragic period.
The S Jaishankar visit to Bangladesh underscores the importance of regional stability and mutual respect between the two nations. By sending the External Affairs Minister, the Indian government acknowledges Zia’s long-standing impact on the democratic fabric of her country.
Other regional leaders have also joined in mourning. Nepal's Interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, lauded Zia’s legacy of public service, describing her as a "true friend of Nepal" who helped strengthen the bonds between the two Himalayan and Delta nations. As Dhaka prepares for the state funeral on Wednesday, the presence of international dignitaries highlights the historic chapter Zia’s leadership represented in South Asian politics.
