Former PM Khaleda Zia’s Vision Will Guide Development Of Partnership

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at the funeral of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and handed over to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman a letter of condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his meeting with Mr Rahman, Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence that Zia’s “vision and values” will guide the development of a partnership between the two nations.

Mr Rahman, currently serving as the acting chairman of BNP, is the eldest son of Khaleda Zia. She died in Dhaka on Tuesday following a prolonged illness.

In his letter, Mr Modi warmly recalled his meeting and discussions with Khaleda Zia during his visit to Dhaka in June 2015, adding she was a leader of “rare resolve and conviction”.

PM Modi said, she made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations.

Mr Modi exuded confidence that Zia’s ideals will be carried forward by Mr Rahman and will continue to serve as a “guiding light” to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.(updated on 1st january 2026)