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.

Amidst the long standing tension between India and Pakistan, the rhetoric in Pakistan has intensified regarding a picture from Dhaka. India’s Foreign Minister S. After shaking hands with Jaishankar, Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has publicly bragged about it. Sadiq has claimed that during this meeting in Dhaka, Jaishankar himself came to him.

Meeting during Khaleda Zia’s funeral
Both S Jaishankar and Ayaz Sadiq had reached Dhaka to attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Meanwhile, on Wednesday both the leaders shook hands with each other. This is considered to be the first public meeting of senior leaders of India and Pakistan after the military confrontation in May.

Pak media made big claim
While talking to Pakistan’s Geo TV, Ayaz Sadiq said that the Indian delegation had reached the waiting room of the Parliament under the leadership of Jaishankar and Jaishankar himself came and met them. According to Sadiq, apart from Pakistan, officials from Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh were already present in the waiting room at that time. Jaishankar greeted all the representatives as soon as he came inside.

What did Sadiq say?
Ayaz Sadiq told that after meeting everyone, Jaishankar came to him and shook hands. At that time he was talking to the High Commissioner of Pakistan. According to Sadiq, when he started introducing himself, Jaishankar said, ‘I recognize you, no introduction is needed.’

The meeting took place in front of the cameras, not secretly.
The Pak speaker also said that Jaishankar had not come to meet him secretly. There were cameras with him and he was well aware that this conversation would be recorded and shown in the media. Sadiq claimed that Jaishankar understood very well the importance of this moment and its political impact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his association with former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia in a condolence letter written to Tariq Rahman, son of Bangladesh Nationalist Party. PM Modi expressed hope that the people of Bangladesh will continue to be inspired by shared values, democratic traditions and a deep sense of national unity.

Mentioned about meeting with Khaleda Zia
Expressing his condolences, PM Modi wrote in the letter that I remember well the meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015. She (Khalida Zia) was a leader of extraordinary determination and determination and achieved the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. PM Modi wrote that along with the development of Bangladesh, he also made many important contributions in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations.

What did PM Modi say in his condolence message?
PM Modi said in his condolence message that her (Khalida Zia) demise has created an irreparable void, but her vision and legacy will remain immortal. I am confident that his ideals will be carried forward in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and will continue to guide us in enriching the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh and ensuring a new beginning.

Tariq Rehman is a strong contender for the post of PM.
Bangladesh’s three-time Prime Minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday (December 30) after a prolonged illness. Thousands of people attended his funeral in the capital Dhaka on Wednesday, including dignitaries from different countries. She was buried with state honors next to her husband Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Tariq Rehman, a strong contender for the post of Prime Minister in the elections to be held on February 12, is the eldest son of Khaleda Zia.

During the meeting with Tariq Rehman, Jaishankar acknowledged Zia’s contribution to democracy. He expressed hope over the rift in India-Bangladesh relations after the elections to be held in February. India is keeping a close eye on Dhaka’s growing closeness with Pakistan and its all-weather friend China.

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Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia has been laid to rest. His last rites took place in Dhaka. During this, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar arrived to attend the funeral of the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Tariq Rehman, son of Khaleda Zia and working president of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He also expressed his condolences. He also handed him a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During this meeting, Foreign Minister Jaishankar also met senior politicians of Pakistan present there. Its pictures have been released on social media. This is the first meeting of senior leaders of India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor.

Which Pakistani politician did Foreign Minister S Jaishankar meet?
The Foreign Minister shook hands with Pakistani politician Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. He is the National Assembly Speaker of Pakistan Assembly. This is an un-official meeting, which took place between the two leaders. There has been no discussion of any kind regarding mutual relations between the two. These photographs have not even been released by the Foreign Ministry of both the countries.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, exchanges greetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Dhaka on Wednesday ahead of the funeral program of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. pic.twitter.com/YDoX5o0Vbi

— Chief Advisor of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) December 31, 2025

Who is Sardar Ayaz Sadiq?
Sardar Ayaz, the Pakistani politician whom Foreign Minister Jaishankar has met, is considered among the leaders close to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Ayaz had also ridiculed the then Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood on the Balakot strike. Then he had said that Mahmood had said that if Indian pilot Abhinandan was not released, India would attack.

Cremated next to the grave of her late husband
Pakistan’s first woman Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest at Manik Mian Avenue in Dhaka. Leaders and representatives including dignitaries from other countries participated in it. She was laid to rest with state honors at 3.30 pm next to the grave of her husband, late President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rehman. She was the Prime Minister of Pakistan three times. Apart from this, she was also the national president of BNP. He died in Dhaka at the age of 80 due to prolonged illness.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest today (31 December 2025) in Bangladesh. On this occasion, representatives of many countries reached Bangladesh. From the Indian side, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also went to Dhaka to attend Zia’s funeral. During this, S Jaishankar handed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolence letter to his son Tariq Rehman.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riyaz Hamidullah posted on Twitter that in Dhaka, Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed condolences on the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on behalf of the people and government of India and acknowledged her contribution to democracy.

Jaishankar’s first visit after Hasina’s departure
This is Jaishankar’s first visit to Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina left power, which is considered very important amid the ongoing tension between the two countries. As soon as Jaishankar arrived, he met Khaleda Zia’s son and BNP supremo Tariq Rehman.

Did a handshake with Tariq Rehman
Jaishankar has come from India to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia. During the meeting with Tariq Rehman, his daughter Zaima Rehman was also present. During this meeting, Jaishankar and Tariq Rehman also shook hands with each other, pictures of which have surfaced. This meeting and handshake is considered important at a time when tension between Bangladesh and India is at its peak. Pakistan is making strong efforts to infiltrate the relations between the two countries and anti-India activities are taking place openly during the rule of Yunus.
Elections will be held in Bangladesh in February
Let us tell you that Tariq Rehman has returned to his country after 17 years and his party BNP will take part in the elections to be held in February. He is considered one of the strong contenders for the post of Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In such a situation, this initiative of India is being considered as an effort to improve the future of relations with Bangladesh.

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Pakistan has expressed grief over the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that we express our deepest condolences on the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) President Begum Khaleda Zia.

However, none of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pak Army Chief Asim Munir or Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who have expressed close ties with Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s coup, are going to attend her funeral, but Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sajid will attend the funeral of Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on Wednesday (December 31, 2025).

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister expressed grief by posting

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared a post on social media platform X on Tuesday (December 30, 2025). In the post, Ishaq Dar also shared two pictures of his meeting with Khaleda Zia.

Apart from this, in the post Ishaq Dar said that deep condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and President of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia. May Allah Almighty reward him with a high position in heaven. Along with this he said that may Allah grant patience and courage to the bereaved family.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, will represent Pakistan tomorrow at the funeral of Late Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://t.co/BBV93jK5a7

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 30, 2025

Speaker of National Assembly will go to Dhaka- Ishaq Dar

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared another X post at around 7.30 pm on Tuesday (December 30). In this post, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will visit Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka tomorrow, where he will represent Pakistan at the funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, late Begum Khaleda Zia.

Also read: Who will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia from India? name revealed

Famous Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, living in exile in London, has strongly criticized former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia after her death on Tuesday (December 30, 2025). Taslima accused Khaleda Zia of taking a stand against freedom of expression and banning many books during her rule. Taslima even said about Khaleda Zia that she had supported Jihadis during her rule.

Taslima Nasreen shared a post on X, in which she criticized Khaleda Zia through sharp words. He also raised the question whether after the death of Khaleda Zia, her 31-year long exile sentence will end and whether the ban will be lifted on those books which were banned during her rule. Taslima also shared the list of some books, which she claimed were banned by Khaleda Zia. This includes Lajja, Utal Hawa, Ka and Doj Dark Days.

What did Taslima Nasreen say in the social media post?

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen said, ‘Khalida Zia is dead. His age was 80 years. She became the party chief from a housewife and then also remained the Prime Minister of the country for 10 years. He lived a successful and long life. Sheikh Hasina kept him in jail for two years, apart from that I don’t think he ever faced much trouble after 1981. Everyone struggles with diseases, she also went through it.

Khaleda Zia has passed away. She was 80 years old. From a housewife she became a party chief, and served as the country’s prime minister for ten years. She lived a successful life—a long life. Sheikh Hasina kept her in jail for two years; apart from that period, I don’t think she…

— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) December 30, 2025

She said, ‘I am wondering whether with his death the ban on all the books which he had banned will not be lifted? They should be removed. They banned Meri Lajja in 1993. Banned on Utal Hawa in 2002, Ka in 2003 and Do Dark Days in 2004. When Khaleda Zia was alive, she did not take any step in favor of freedom of expression by removing the ban on these books. If his death now becomes a reason to protect freedom of expression, so be it.

Taslima mentioned the actions taken against her

During this, Taslima Nasreen, while referring to the cases and legal actions registered against her during the reign of Khaleda Zia, said, ‘In the year 1994, while supporting the Jihadis, she filed a case of hurting religious sentiments against a secular, humanist, familist and free-thinking writer.’ Describing herself, she said that Khaleda Zia issued an arrest warrant against that writer. After this, he wrongly expelled that writer, i.e. Taslima Nasreen, from her own country.

He said, ‘During his rule he did not allow me to return to my home, to my country. Will his death put an end to my 31-year-long exile? Or will the unjust rulers continue to commit injustice in this manner, one after the other, generation after generation?’

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Before the general elections in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has suffered a major setback. The country’s former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday morning (December 30, 2025). At the same time, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over his demise and expressed condolences to his family, supporters and the people of Bangladesh.

Rahul posted on social media

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a post on social media platform X expressing grief. He said, ‘I am saddened by the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. During his long career in public life, he played an important role in the political journey of Bangladesh. My heartfelt condolences to his family, supporters and people of Bangladesh.

Saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. Over her long career in public life, she played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political journey.

My heartfelt condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh.

—Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 30, 2025

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed grief

At the same time, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed grief over the demise of Khaleda Zia. He wrote in his X post, ‘On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I express my deep condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia. In his long public career, he played a key role in shaping the political journey of the country. I express my heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Bangladesh.

Saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. Over her long career in public life, she played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political journey.

My heartfelt condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh.

—Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 30, 2025

Khaleda Zia died in hospital

According to the information given by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia died at around 6 am on Tuesday morning. He breathed his last at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he was undergoing treatment for more than a month. The party’s statement said that he died immediately after Fajr prayers. As soon as the news of Khaleda Zia’s demise came out, a wave of mourning ran in the country’s politics.

Khaleda Zia was suffering from heart and lung related problems

It was told that on November 23, he was admitted to a private hospital due to serious problems related to heart and lungs. After this his health continued to fluctuate. According to Bangladeshi media reports, she was also suffering from pneumonia in her last days and remained under the strict observation of doctors for about 36 days. During this time his condition remained critical.

The team of doctors had advised not to travel abroad

For the last few years, Khaleda Zia was suffering from many chronic diseases. A special medical team was formed for his treatment, which included doctors from Bangladesh as well as Britain, America, China and Australia. This month there was also discussion about taking him abroad for better treatment, but this plan was canceled after the advice of doctors. Doctors said that her condition was so weak that she was not in a position to travel internationally.

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Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and President of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Khaleda Zia has passed away. The BNP president breathed his last in the hospital on Tuesday (December 30, 2025). At the same time, after his death, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Wednesday (December 31, 2025).

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the Government of India and the people of the country in the last journey of Khaleda Zia.

PM Modi expressed condolences on the demise of Khaleda Zia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences on the demise of former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia. He shared a post on social media platform X on Tuesday (December 30, 2025). In the post, PM Modi also shared pictures of his meeting with Khaleda Zia in 2015.

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.

Our sincere condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.

As the… pic.twitter.com/BLg6K52vak

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025

He wrote in his post, ‘Extremely saddened to know the news of the demise of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP President Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. We express our deepest condolences to his bereaved family and all the people of Bangladesh. May God give his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

His perspective will continue to guide our cooperation – PM Modi

He further said, ‘As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contribution in the development of the country and strengthening India-Bangladesh relations will always be remembered. I remember my meeting with him in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that his vision and legacy will continue to guide our mutual cooperation. May God grant peace to his soul.

Khaleda Zia was suffering from heart and lung disease

Actually, the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia was suffering from heart and lung related diseases. For this reason, Khaleda Zia was admitted to a private hospital last month on November 23, 2025. After this his health continued to fluctuate. In her last days, she was also suffering from pneumonia and remained under the strict supervision of doctors for about 36 days. During this time his condition remained critical.

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Former Bangladesh Minister Mohibul Choudhary considered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as a wise and dynamic leader. He said that today when the interference of fundamentalists has increased in the power of Bangladesh, Zia’s absence will definitely be missed in the times to come.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS on Tuesday (December 30, 2025), the former minister called Zia the ‘soft voice of the right wing’. Chaudhary, leader of Bangladesh Awami League and close to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressed his views on Zia’s tenure ranging from women’s upliftment to her understanding of geopolitics.

Question: How do you view the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia?
Mohibul Chaudhary: According to me, Begum Khaleda Zia was the softest voice among the right-wing leaders of Bangladesh. When she was leading right-wing politics, she understood well the limitations of geopolitics, relations between the two countries and fundamentalist thinking in governance. Despite alliances with parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, she managed to control and rein in the radicals, thereby saving Bangladesh from becoming an institutional theocracy. The impact of his departure will be greatly felt on the political ecosystem of Bangladesh, especially at a time when the influence of fundamentalists is increasing.

Question: How will future generations remember his political legacy?
Mohibul Chaudhary: Many of today’s youth may not fully remember his first term as prime minister, which took place during the difficult transition from military rule to democracy in 1991. Despite poverty, natural disasters, and political opposition, she kept the economy running and led the country toward democratic consolidation. He prioritized women’s empowerment, ensured girls’ access to education and healthcare, and did not compromise on basic welfare rights even while forming alliances with religion-based parties. She will be remembered as a strong but practical leader who believed in democratic balance.

Question: What role did he play in the current political environment of Bangladesh?
Mohibul Chaudhary: At a time when Bangladesh is facing an existential political challenge, his experience, age and political understanding could have helped in bringing about a rapprochement between the two major political streams—BNP and Awami League. His absence has made reconciliation more difficult, but many people still hope that the era of political dialogue will continue in its original spirit.

Question: How do you see Sheikh Hasina’s approach towards Khaleda Zia?
Mohibul Chaudhary: Despite political hostility and legal challenges, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina treated Khaleda Zia with humanity. Hasina ensured that she had access to state-of-the-art health facilities, including treatment by foreign doctors. Khaleda Zia’s health had deteriorated after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, but due to Sheikh Hasina’s earlier decisions, her life was prolonged through necessary medical treatment.

Question: How were Begum Khaleda Zia’s relations with India?
Mohibul Chaudhary: His political alliances sometimes complicated India-Bangladesh relations, and some in his government took damaging actions, particularly in the case of insurgents in India’s Northeast. However, Khaleda Zia herself understood the geopolitical reality of Bangladesh—that stable relations with India were essential for economic and regional stability. Whenever possible, he himself worked to facilitate relations and in 2015 contacted the Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to seek cooperation and political engagement. She was a realist in foreign policy and mutual relations.

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