After Khaleda Zia’s Funeral, Diplomatic Spotlight on Dhaka: Jaishankar Meets Tarique Rahman, Pakistan Speaker

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was buried with full state honours in Dhaka on Wednesday, in a ceremony watched by thousands of mourners and visiting leaders. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India, underscoring New Delhi’s cautious outreach as India-Bangladesh relations remain tense after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

The 80-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader was laid to rest beside spouse and former President Ziaur Rahman. The grave lies along Manik Mia Avenue, close to Bangladesh’s parliament complex, turning the central Dhaka stretch into a heavily guarded mourning zone during the state-organised farewell.

Jaishankar visit Dhaka and Khaleda Zia funeral diplomacy

Before the funeral rites, Jaishankar met Khaleda Zia’s son and acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who is widely seen as a frontrunner for the post of Bangladesh Prime Minister. Jaishankar delivered a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also briefly met Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq during the visit.

Jaishankar’s presence in Dhaka comes as ties between India and Bangladesh face strain. Relations cooled after Sheikh Hasina, described as a long-time ally of India, was removed from office. New Delhi has also raised repeated concerns over rising attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, across the Muslim-majority country.

Khaleda Zia funeral Dhaka crowd and state honours

Braving cold weather, people from different walks of life gathered in Dhaka to offer prayers for Khaleda Zia. Many cried during the janaza, asking for forgiveness for the three-time Prime Minister, whose death drew emotional responses from supporters and rivals alike throughout Bangladesh’s political spectrum.

The national flag-draped coffin was placed at the west end of Manik Mia Avenue, creating a ceremonial focal point. After funeral prayers, officials conducted the burial beside Ziaur Rahman. Members of the public were barred from the actual interment, as authorities carried out an elaborate state funeral under strict security arrangements.

Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday after a long period of illness, aged 80. The death occurred just five days after Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh from London, ending 17 years of exile. Tarique Rahman had been living in the United Kingdom and now again occupies a central role in BNP politics.

Several senior representatives from South Asian nations attended the funeral alongside Jaishankar, reflecting regional interest in Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape. Delegates flew in from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives for the ceremony in central Dhaka.

India’s concerns have grown since an interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus took charge in August 2024. New Delhi has highlighted repeated incidents of violence against Hindus and damage to their properties. Against this charged backdrop, Khaleda Zia’s funeral became both a farewell and a sensitive diplomatic moment.