Indian Foreign Minister to Attend Khaleda Zia's Funeral in Dhaka

India's Representation at Khaleda Zia's Funeral

On Wednesday, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Zia, a long-time leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), played a crucial role in restoring democracy following a tumultuous military regime and maintained significant influence in the country's politics for decades.

Khaleda Zia passed away in Dhaka after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. An official statement confirmed that Jaishankar would represent the Indian government and its citizens at her funeral.

Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Dhaka on December 31. Prior to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over Zia's passing and reminisced about their meeting during his visit to Dhaka in 2015.

Modi shared on 'X', stating, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May God grant her family the strength to endure this tragic time.”

The Prime Minister added, “I fondly remember our cordial meeting in Dhaka in 2015. We hope her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace.”

It remains uncertain whether Jaishankar will hold a bilateral meeting with interim government head Mohammad Yunus. Relations between India and Bangladesh have become strained since Yunus's interim government took power, with India expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.