New Delhi, December 30, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, scheduled to be held in Dhaka on Wednesday, December 31, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Tuesday. The visit reflects India’s official participation in paying respects to one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political leaders.

In a brief statement, the ministry said that Dr. S. Jaishankar would travel to Dhaka on December 31 to attend the funeral on behalf of the government and the people of India. The ministry described Khaleda Zia as a former prime minister of Bangladesh and the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, underlining her long-standing role in the country’s political life.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. According to officials, she had been receiving medical care for infections affecting her heart and lungs. Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Bangladesh and from leaders in the region, given her influence on the country’s political history.

Khaleda Zia served as the prime minister of Bangladesh for two terms. She first came to power in 1991 and remained in office until 1996. She later returned as prime minister for a second term from 2001 to 2006. Over the years, she emerged as a central figure in Bangladeshi politics and led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for decades.

Her passing comes at a politically significant moment for Bangladesh. It occurred just weeks before the country is scheduled to hold its general election on February 12. Political observers have noted that her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is expected to perform strongly and could emerge as the single largest party in the upcoming polls. Khaleda Zia’s death is therefore seen as a major emotional and political moment for her supporters.

India’s decision to send the external affairs minister to the funeral underscores the importance New Delhi places on its ties with Bangladesh and on acknowledging the legacy of leaders who have shaped the country’s modern history. Khaleda Zia had a complex relationship with India during her time in office, but she remained a key regional leader whose role cannot be overlooked.

The visit by Jaishankar is also expected to be seen as a gesture of respect and diplomacy at a time when regional stability and cooperation remain important. As the senior-most representative from India attending the funeral, he will convey condolences to the family and leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, as well as to the people of Bangladesh.

Security arrangements in Dhaka have been tightened ahead of the funeral, with several political leaders, diplomats, and supporters expected to attend. The ceremony is likely to draw large crowds, reflecting Khaleda Zia’s stature and the strong support base she maintained throughout her political career.

Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. For many, she symbolised a period of intense political competition and change. As leaders from within Bangladesh and abroad gather in Dhaka to pay their final respects, the focus will also turn to how her absence will shape the country’s political landscape in the days ahead.

India’s participation at the highest level highlights the significance of the moment and signals continued engagement with Bangladesh during a sensitive political period.

 Jaishankar to Attend Funeral of Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on December 31

India will be officially represented at the funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar set to travel to Dhaka on December 31. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that Jaishankar will attend the ceremony on behalf of the Government and the people of India.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday at the age of 80 at a hospital in Dhaka, where she was undergoing treatment for infections affecting her heart and lungs. Her death has drawn condolences from across Bangladesh and the region, marking the loss of one of the country’s most influential political figures.

Khaleda Zia served as the prime minister of Bangladesh for two terms. She first assumed office in 1991 and led the country until 1996. She later returned to power for a second term from 2001 to 2006. As the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, she played a key role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades and remained a central figure in national politics.

Her passing comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh, just weeks before the general election scheduled for February 12. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is expected to be a major force in the polls, and Khaleda Zia’s death has added an emotional dimension to the political atmosphere ahead of the vote.

India’s decision to send its external affairs minister reflects the importance New Delhi places on its relationship with Bangladesh and on acknowledging the legacy of leaders who have shaped the country’s history. Jaishankar’s presence in Dhaka is also seen as a gesture of respect and regional diplomacy during a sensitive period.

Security has been tightened in Dhaka ahead of the funeral, with political leaders, diplomats, and supporters expected to attend in large numbers. Khaleda Zia’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s politics, as leaders and citizens come together to pay their final respects.