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New Delhi: A large number of people gathered in Dhaka for the final journey of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia on Wednesday. Zia passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 due to a prolonged illness. Zia, who dominated Bangladesh's politics for decades, was the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters turned up in large numbers on the streets of Dhaka for the last rites of their chairperson at the South Plaza of the National Parliament House. Meanwhile, the Mohamma Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has stepped up security in the capital for the funeral to avoid any untoward incident.
Zia will be laid to rest at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, beside the grave of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981.
Jaishankar joins Khaleda Zia's funeral
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended Zia's final journey in Dhaka, representing India. Before the funeral, Jaishankar handed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal letter to Zia's son Tarique Rahman.
"On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman , 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 people of India," the External Affairs Minister wrote on X, sharing some pictures from the meeting.
Jaishankar also expressed confidence that Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of India and Bangladesh's partnership.
PM Modi condoles Zia's demise
Earlier, PM Modi expressed sorrow over Zia's death and recalled his meeting with her during his visit to Dhaka in 2015.
"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," Modi said on social media.
"I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," he said.
The relations between India and Bangladesh turned sour after the interim government headed by Yunus came to power. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.
