DHAKA, Bangladesh — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a brief meeting with Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on Wednesday. The interaction occurred shortly before the funeral of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The social media account of Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus documented the encounter, sharing an image of the two officials. According to the post, “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 programme of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.”
Jaishankar arrived in the capital to represent India at the services for Zia, the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in Bangladesh. During the visit, he met with Tarique Rahman to deliver a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to convey the condolences of the Indian government.
Following his arrival, Jaishankar stated that he “conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership.”
The minister also acknowledged Zia’s role in the nation’s democratic history. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, noted that Jaishankar “recognised her contribution to democracy and expressed optimism to strengthen India Bangladesh ties following democratic transition in Bangladesh thru the upcoming election (Feb 2026).”
Khaleda Zia, who led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and served three terms as prime minister, died early Tuesday at age 80 after a prolonged illness. She was laid to rest with full state honors on Wednesday afternoon at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.
Prime Minister Modi had previously expressed his sorrow on Tuesday, describing Zia as a historic leader whose contributions to her country and its relations with India would be remembered. (Source: IANS)
