India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka today to represent the Indian government at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Jaishankar will lead the official Indian delegation, marking a significant diplomatic engagement at a time when India-Bangladesh relations are under strain. Recent incidents targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and remarks from key Bangladeshi leaders critical of India have heightened sensitivities, making this visit particularly important.
Khaleda Zia: A Pioneering Leader
Begum Khaleda Zia passed away yesterday at the age of 80. She was Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and played a pivotal role in restoring democracy after periods of military rule. Over her long political career, she faced imprisonment and house arrest but remained a central figure in the country’s political landscape for decades.
Zia had also been granted permission to travel to London for medical treatment after being cleared of corruption charges. She had planned to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in February 2026, expected to be Bangladesh’s first elections following the widespread public uprising in late 2024.
India Pays Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, noting Khaleda Zia’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s development and the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship. Modi recalled his warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015 and emphasized that her vision and legacy will continue to guide the partnership between the two nations.
S. Jaishankar’s presence at the funeral underscores India’s respect for Khaleda Zia and highlights the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue even amid challenges in bilateral ties.
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