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Jaishankar Visits Dhaka for Khaleda Zia's Funeral, Eyes New Chapter in India-Bangladesh Ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a brief visit to Dhaka to offer India's condolences on the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. During the visit, he met with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India stated the visit would help script a new chapter in bilateral relations, driven by shared interests and pragmatism. The diplomatic engagement underscores India's commitment to its partnership with Bangladesh across the political spectrum.

Key Points: Jaishankar in Dhaka for Khaleda Zia Funeral, Discusses Bilateral Ties

  • Condolence visit for former PM Khaleda Zia
  • Meeting with BNP Acting Chairman
  • Handover of PM Modi's letter
  • Focus on future bilateral partnership
2 min read

'Look forward to script new chapter in ties': Bangladesh envoy on EAM's visit to Dhaka to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral

EAM S Jaishankar visits Dhaka to convey condolences on Khaleda Zia's death. Bangladesh envoy says visit will script a new chapter in pragmatic, interdependent ties.

"Bangladesh & India would look forward to script a new chapter in ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence. - Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India"

Dhaka, December 31

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah on Wednesday said that the visit by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar would see New Delhi and Dhaka script a new chapter in ties, driven by shared interests.

In a post on X, he said, "As HE Dr @DrSJaishankar left Dhaka after a whirlwind 4-hr visit, #Bangladesh & #India would look forward to script a new chapter in ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence, as indeed briefly discussed with @bdbnp78 Acting Chair, @trahmanbnp this afternoon."

Earlier, Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning on a special flight that landed at 11:30 am and was received by the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

After his arrival, Jaishankar met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and conveyed India's deepest condolences on the death of his mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia."

He said he handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman.

"Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India," Jaishankar said.

He also expressed confidence in Khaleda Zia's legacy and its relevance to bilateral ties.

"Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values will guide the development of our partnership," he added.

Separately, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said Jaishankar, during his visit to Dhaka, conveyed the condolences of the people and government of India as Bangladesh mourns the passing of the former prime minister.

In a post on X, Hamidullah said that Jaishankar recognised Khaleda Zia's contribution to democracy and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties following Bangladesh's democratic transition through the upcoming election scheduled for February 2026.

Bangladesh is observing a public holiday on Wednesday and has entered a three-day period of state mourning.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A dominant figure in national politics for decades, she led the country for three terms and played a key role in restoring democracy following years of military rule.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's heartening to see diplomacy that honors personal and political legacies. This visit, though brief, seems to have carried significant symbolic weight. Hoping the "new chapter" focuses on trade and regional stability.
V
Vikram M
Good move. Bangladesh is our most important neighbor in the East. We must maintain strong ties with all political factions there, not just the ruling party. Pragmatism, as the envoy said, is key.
P
Priya S
While the diplomatic gesture is appreciated, I hope this "new chapter" translates to tangible benefits for common people on both sides of the border—easier travel, reduced trade barriers, and cooperation on shared rivers.
R
Rohit P
Khaleda Zia was a formidable leader. Her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. India's engagement with her son and the BNP is a smart, forward-looking step. Joi Bangla!
N
Nikhil C
The envoy's words sound positive, but we've heard "new chapter" before. Actions matter more. Let's see concrete progress on the Teesta water sharing agreement and connectivity projects. That's the real test of the partnership.

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