In a rare goodwill gesture amid ongoing strained relations between the two neighbouring countries, India is sending its External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to attend the funeral of Bangladesh’s former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the matter in a press release on Tuesday.
“The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” the MEA said.
“He will accordingly visit Dhaka on 31 December 2025,” it added.
Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, passed away early Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.
She will be given a state funeral around 3:30pm on Wednesday, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
Her namaz-e-janaza will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue, at 2pm.
She will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, the late president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
FP/MI
Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history
DMP announces traffic diversions, restrictions for Khaleda Zia’s janaza
Rumeen Farhana, Nirob among nine BNP leaders expelled
Indian Minister Jaishankar to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral
Khaleda’s uncompromising role will remain memorable: President
Mirza Fakhrul submits nomination for Thakurgaon-1
BNP will not enact any law opposing the Qur'an and Sunnah: Mirza Fakhrul
Tarique’s nomination papers submitted for Dhaka-17 seat
Govt firm on punishing those involved in attacks on media: Shipping Adviser
8 flights diverted as dense fog disrupts Dhaka airport
