Jaishankar meets Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, hands over PM Modi’s condolence letter

India conveys condolences as Jaishankar meets Khaleda Zia’s family in Dhaka

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka and handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following Zia’s death.

Jaishankar arrived in the Bangladeshi capital to attend the funeral of Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged, age-related illness. The three-time former prime minister and longtime chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) died at around 6 am at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.

Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and… pic.twitter.com/xXNwJsRTmZ — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 31, 2025

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, shared details of the meeting on X, saying: “Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, in Dhaka, conveys the condolences of the people and the Government of India as Bangladesh mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and recognises her contribution to democracy.”

Jaishankar’s visit comes as Bangladesh observes a state farewell for Khaleda Zia, with large crowds gathering to pay their last respects. BNP leaders, party workers, and members of the public from across the country converged at Manik Mia Avenue for the funeral ceremonies.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, played a central role in the country’s politics for decades and led the BNP for many years, shaping Bangladesh’s democratic landscape.