Bangladesh mourns Khaleda Zia’s death: Jaishankar meets Tarique Rahaman, conveys condolences

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met Tarique Rahman, acting chair of Bangladesh’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to convey personal and official condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the death of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahaman is the son of late Khaleda Zia, and has recently returned to Dhaka after 17-year exile to contest the national election scheduled for February next year.

Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political history and leader of the BNP, passed away at the age of 78 on December 30, triggering an outpouring of grief across the country. She was a two-time prime minister and a central figure in Bangladeshi politics for nearly three decades, known for her staunch opposition to the ruling Awami League and her deep influence on the nation’s political discourse. Her political rivalry with now exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shaped the political and economic fate and fortunes of Bangladesh over the past three decades.

In Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon, Jaishankar handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman, expressing India’s sympathy with the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh. The Indian minister’s gesture underscored New Delhi’s desire to extend solidarity at a moment of national mourning in Bangladesh.

Earlier, PM Modi offered his condolences to the people of Bangladesh on the “tragic loss” after the death of the senior stateswoman whose contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic evolution were hailed in democratic circles. The prime minister also highlighted the longstanding historical ties between India and Bangladesh, saying the two countries shared deep bonds of friendship and respect that transcend political differences.

Tarique Rahman, who now leads the BNP, received the condolence message at a meeting attended by senior party leaders and family members. After the meeting, Rahman thanked Jaishankar for the gesture. Tarique Rahaman has described Khaleda Zia as a “fearless leader” who remained committed to her nation until her final days.

The death of Khaleda Zia marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics and comes at a time when political tensions between the country’s major parties remain high. Her passing has prompted both reflection and political mobilisation across Bangladesh, with large crowds gathering at party offices and public spaces to pay tribute.

Jaishankar’s visit, coming amid these sombre moments, is expected to reinforce diplomatic ties at a sensitive juncture — especially against the backdrop of setbacks that the bilateral relations have received since the toppling of the Hasina government, and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus taking over the reins of the interim government as Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser.

India and Bangladesh have maintained robust bilateral engagement over several decades, cooperating on issues ranging from trade and connectivity to border management and cultural exchange.