Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka today to pay his final respects to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Upon his arrival, the Indian minister personally conveyed a message of condolence to the BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, expressing deep sympathy on behalf of the Indian government and its people.
High-Profile Arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
S. Jaishankar landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 11:55 AM on a special flight of the Indian Air Force. He was received at the airport by a high-level delegation, including Israt Jahan, Director General (South Asia Wing) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranav Verma.
This visit marks the first time a senior Indian cabinet minister has visited Bangladesh since the political transition in August 2024.
A Message to Tarique Rahman
Immediately following his arrival, S. Jaishankar reached out to Tarique Rahman to deliver the formal condolence message. In his message, he highlighted Khaleda Zia’s significant role in the democratic history of Bangladesh and her contributions to fostering regional cooperation. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief on social media, recalling his warm meeting with the BNP leader in 2015 and extending his sincerest sympathies to the bereaved family.
State Funeral and Final Rites
The Indian External Affairs Minister is scheduled to attend the Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers) of Khaleda Zia, which will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the adjacent Manik Mia Avenue at 2:00 PM today.
Following the prayers, the former Prime Minister will be laid to rest with full state honors at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, beside the grave of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.
The Bangladesh government has declared a three-day state mourning and a public holiday today to allow the nation to bid farewell to the leader who served as the country’s first female Prime Minister.
