Jaishankar To Attend Funeral Of Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday. (AP Photo)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the funeral of Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, conveying India’s condolences and respect.

Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia died at the age of 80 while under treatment at Dhaka’s Apollo Hospital this morning, the party said.

“BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is no more,” an official statement issued by the BNP chairperson’s press wing read.

Khaleda Zia, the widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, remained one of the most prominent and polarising figures in Bangladeshi politics.

As BNP chairperson and a former Prime Minister, she played a central role in shaping the country’s political discourse over several decades.

She became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991 and went on to develop a bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina as they spent decades trading power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended condolences on her death and said in a post on X: “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.”

“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.”

“I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.

Earlier in December, PM Modi also expressed “concerns” over the health of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and also assured Bangladesh that India is ready to “extend all possible support in whatever way we can”.