Jaishankar Hopes Khaleda Zia’s Values Will Guide Bangladesh-India Ties

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today expressed confidence that the vision and values of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will continue to guide the development of Bangladesh-India bilateral partnership.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, he wrote: “Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership.”

The statement came after he met BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this afternoon and formally handed over the Indian government’s condolence message.

Jaishankar further posted: “On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia. Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

He added that he conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India.

BNP, in a post on its verified Facebook page following the meeting, stated: “Neighboring India has sent a condolence message expressing deep respect at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia — hailed as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and a ‘symbol of courage and struggle,’ an uncompromising leader committed to safeguarding independence and sovereignty.”

After handing over the formal condolence message, Jaishankar attended the funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as the official representative of the Indian government.

Earlier, the Indian External Affairs Minister arrived in Dhaka on a special flight around 11:30 am to attend the funeral.