Khaleda Zia visits Moinuddin Chisti's shrine in Ajmer
Ajmer (Rajasthan), Nov.1 (ANI)
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khalida Zia visited the shrine of Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer, Rajasthan, on Thursday.
Surrounded by a detailed security net and Muslim clerics, Begum Zia trickled her way through the large crowd of onlookers to reach the shrine and offered her prayers.
In the past several prominent dignitaries including Bollywood stars and world leaders, the last being Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari have visited the shrine.
Zia arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a weeklong visit.
During her stay, from October 28 to November 03, she would be discussing with key leaders and officials of Indian government matters of mutual interest between the two nations.
Reportedly, Zia's visit has been in response to an invitation extended by former Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, who recently resigned from the council of federal ministers, ahead of the cabinet reshuffle.
Her visit is seen as a part of an ongoing engagement with a democratic and multiparty polity in Bangladesh, which would provide an opportunity to exchange views on the mattes of mutual interest and would also build positive momentum between the two neighbouring countries.
It is well-known that Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has maintained an anti-India stance since its inception as a political entity although New Delhi is keen to mend fences with her in the run up to the general elections.
India has managed to add some substance to its ties with Bangladesh during the ruling Awami League's tenure in office.