By Admin 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar for the condolences expressed by the Government of India and the Indian people on the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. BNP described it as a symbol of respect, sensitivity and mature diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Khaleda Zia given last farewell with full state honors
Khaleda Zia was given a final farewell with full state honors in Dhaka on Wednesday (December 31, 2025). Thousands of people paid emotional tribute to Zia, one of the most influential political figures of the country. She was buried at the family mausoleum next to her husband and former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman.
Representation of India at the funeral
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated on behalf of India in the funeral of Khaleda Zia. Immediately after reaching Dhaka, he met Tariq Rehman, the working president of BNP and son of Khaleda Zia, and expressed condolences on behalf of the Government of India and the people.
PM Modi’s personal letter handed over
Foreign Minister Jaishankar handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tariq Rehman. In this letter, PM Modi described Khaleda Zia as a ‘leader of determination and strong faith’ and remembered her contribution in the development of Bangladesh and strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. He also mentioned their meeting in Dhaka in June 2015.
Khaleda Zia’s legacy on India-Bangladesh relations
Dr. Jaishankar said that Khaleda Zia’s political legacy will continue to influence India-Bangladesh relations in the times to come. He said that Zia’s thinking and values played a role in shaping the bilateral relations between the two countries for decades.
Hope for a new chapter in the relations between the two countries
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riyaz Hamidullah said that the short visit of the Foreign Minister reflects the intention to further deepen the relations between the two countries. He said that India and Bangladesh are moving towards a new chapter on the basis of practicality and mutual dependence.
Brief meeting with regional leaders also took place
During his visit to Dhaka, Jaishankar also met several South Asian leaders present at the funeral, including Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. In the pictures released, both the leaders were seen greeting during the ceremony. During this period, Jaishankar did not meet Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus.