External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that the vision and values of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will continue to guide the development of the partnership between India and Bangladesh. He made the remarks while attending her funeral in Dhaka, where he represented India on behalf of the government.
Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter of condolence to Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s son and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. In the letter, Modi described Khaleda Zia as a leader of rare resolve and conviction who made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development and regional cooperation.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that Khaleda Zia’s vision would remain a foundation for strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting the importance of continuity and respect in India’s engagement with Bangladesh. He noted that her leadership had played a role in shaping regional dynamics and fostering cooperation between the two countries.
This visit marked the first high-level Indian outreach to Bangladesh since relations faced challenges in 2024 following the formation of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Observers see Jaishankar’s presence and remarks as a diplomatic signal of India’s intent to maintain strong ties with Bangladesh ahead of its national elections scheduled for February 2026.
Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and matriarch of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, passed away after a prolonged illness. Her legacy continues to influence Bangladesh’s political landscape, and India’s tribute underscores the enduring relevance of her vision in shaping future cooperation between the two nations.
