New Delhi/Dhaka— External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and handed over a personal condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as thousands gathered to bid farewell to former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Soon after arriving in the Bangladeshi capital, Jaishankar called on Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP and eldest son of Khaleda Zia, and conveyed India’s deepest sympathies over the demise of the veteran leader, who shaped Bangladesh’s political landscape for more than three decades. Jaishankar is representing India at Zia’s funeral.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, the external affairs minister said he personally delivered Prime Minister Modi’s letter and expressed condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of India. He added that India remains confident Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will continue to influence the future of bilateral ties between the two countries.
Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. Her death has drawn condolences from leaders across the region, reflecting her long and influential role in Bangladesh’s politics.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier expressed grief over her passing, recalling his meeting with Zia during his visit to Dhaka in 2015. In his message, Modi said he was deeply saddened by her death and extended condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh, adding that her legacy would continue to guide the India-Bangladesh partnership.
The visit by Jaishankar comes at a time when relations between the two countries have faced strain following the rise of an interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. India has also repeatedly raised concerns over incidents targeting minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in Bangladesh.
