A file photo shows Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meeting Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman to convey condolences over his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s death, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo: Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s Press Wing Handout via Reuters
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolence message on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, while recalling her contribution to India-Bangladesh ties. The three-time Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP patriarch died on December 30 following a prolonged illness.
“We sincerely appreciate your message of condolence and remembrance, Honourable @narendramodi. Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh–India relations will be remembered,” the BNP posted on a social media site on Saturday (January 3, 2026).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) represented India at Zia’s funeral and handed over a letter of condolences from Mr. Modi to BNP leader and Ms. Zia’s son Tarique Rahman.
In his meeting with Mr. Rahman, a front-runner for prime ministership in the February 12 parliamentary polls, Mr. Jaishankar expressed confidence that Ms. Zia’s “vision and values” will guide the development of a partnership between the two nations.
Mr. Rahman, currently serving as the acting chairman of the BNP, is the eldest son of Ms. Zia.
Bilateral relations between the two countries have come under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed office, following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina Government in 2024 amid massive, prolonged student-led protests.
India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.
Published – January 04, 2026 05:58 pm IST
