Jaishankar Hands PM Modi’s Condolence Letter To Khaleda Zia’s Son Tarique Rahman, Hails Her Vision

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hands over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolence letter to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. (IMAGE: X)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar handed over a personal condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, during his visit to Dhaka on Wednesday.

Jaishankar conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of India following Khaleda Zia’s death and acknowledged her contribution to Bangladesh’s democratic journey. In a separate social media post, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah shared photos of the meeting.

“On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia. Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership,” Jaishankar said.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after prolonged illness. A dominant figure in Bangladesh politics for decades, she served as prime minister three times and was a central force in the country’s pro-democracy movements.

Funeral prayers for Khaleda Zia were held on Wednesday at the Parliament complex area in Dhaka with full state honours, drawing unprecedented crowds. Lakhs of people gathered around Manik Mia Avenue and adjoining areas, while senior political leaders, members of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and foreign diplomats attended the ceremony.