New Delhi/Dhaka (Rajeev Sharma)— External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveying India’s condolences over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia as large crowds gathered for her funeral.
Shortly after his arrival in the Bangladeshi capital, Jaishankar called on Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP and Khaleda Zia’s eldest son, and expressed sympathy on behalf of the Indian government and people. Jaishankar is in Dhaka to represent India at the funeral of the veteran leader, who remained a dominant force in Bangladesh’s politics for over three decades.
The external affairs minister said he personally delivered Prime Minister Modi’s message and reaffirmed India’s respect for Khaleda Zia’s political legacy. He added that her vision and values are expected to continue shaping the future of India-Bangladesh relations.
Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, triggering an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and supporters across Bangladesh and beyond. Prime Minister Modi had earlier expressed deep sorrow over her demise, recalling his meeting with her during his visit to Dhaka in 2015 and extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh.
Jaishankar’s visit comes amid a sensitive phase in bilateral ties following the emergence of an interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. India has also voiced concerns in recent months over incidents involving attacks on minorities, particularly members of the Hindu community, in Bangladesh.
