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Jaishankar's Dhaka Visit Sets Stage for New Chapter in India-Bangladesh Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a brief visit to Dhaka to convey India's condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. During the visit, he met with BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, handing over a personal letter from PM Modi and discussing the future trajectory of bilateral relations. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India emphasized the potential to script a new chapter in ties, guided by shared interests, pragmatism, and mutual interdependence. The discussions expressed optimism for strengthening the partnership following Bangladesh's upcoming democratic transition through elections.

Key Points: Jaishankar in Dhaka: New Chapter for India-Bangladesh Relations

  • Condolences for Khaleda Zia
  • Democratic transition focus
  • Bilateral ties discussed
  • Pragmatic mutual interests
3 min read

Look forward to script new chapter in bilateral ties: Bangladesh HC after EAM Jaishankar's Dhaka visit

After EAM Jaishankar's visit, Bangladesh HC highlights shared interests & pragmatism to deepen ties. Focus on democratic transition & bilateral partnership.

"look forward to script a new chapter in Bangladesh-India ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence – Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh HC"

Dhaka, Dec 31

As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrapped up his flying Dhaka visit, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, on Wednesday underscored the scope for deepening Bangladesh-India relations, guided by shared interests, pragmatism and mutual interdependence.

His remarks came after EAM Jaishankar concluded a four-hour long visit to Dhaka, during which the future trajectory of ties was discussed in a brief meeting between the EAM and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

"As HE Dr S. Jaishankar left Dhaka after a whirlwind 4-hr visit, Bangladesh and India would look forward to script a new chapter in Bangladesh-India ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence, as indeed briefly discussed with BNP Acting Chair, Tarique Rahman this afternoon," Hamidullah posted on X.

EAM Jaishankar was in Dhaka to represent India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia, the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday and conveyed the Indian government's condolences to Rahman on the passing of his mother and former Bangladesh PM.

In a post on X, the EAM said that upon arrival in Dhaka, he met with Tarique Rahman and 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," he added.

EAM Jaishankar acknowledged Zia's contribution to democracy and expressed optimism about strengthening India-Bangladesh ties in the wake of a democratic transition following the upcoming elections.

Sharing photos of EAM's meeting with Tarique Rahman, Hamidullah, posted on X stating "HE Dr S Jaishankar Hon. External Affairs Minister, in Dhaka, conveys condolences of the people and Govt of India as Bangladesh mourns passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, recognised her contribution to democracy and expressed optimism to strengthen India Bangladesh ties following democratic transition in Bangladesh thru the upcoming election (Feb 2026)."

Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, died early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

She was laid to rest with full State honours on Wednesday afternoon beside her husband, country's former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, according to local media reports.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Bangladesh's former PM and the BNP chairperson, remembering her as a historic leader whose contributions to Bangladesh and relations with India will always be remembered.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see our diplomacy in action, showing respect during a neighbour's moment of grief. This builds a lot of goodwill. The mention of a democratic transition is key - a stable, democratic Bangladesh is in India's best interest. Let's hope the 2026 elections are peaceful.
R
Rohit P
While the diplomatic visit is positive, we must be pragmatic. Ties have been strong but there are persistent issues like the Teesta water sharing agreement that need resolution. Hope this "new chapter" translates into concrete action on long-pending matters, not just words.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in a border state, I appreciate these diplomatic efforts. A good relationship with Bangladesh directly impacts our security and local trade. The personal touch of PM Modi's letter is a nice gesture in our culture.
K
Karthik V
Respect paid to Begum Khaleda Zia is important. She was a significant figure. The focus now should be on the future - enhancing trade, combating cross-border issues jointly, and people-to-people ties. Our shared history and culture are a strong foundation.
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Nikhil C
A four-hour visit shows efficiency, but I hope the discussions were substantive. The Bangladesh relationship is one of our most successful foreign policy stories in recent years. We must nurture it carefully, irrespective of which party is in power there. Mutual respect is the key.

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