Will EAM Jaishankar Attend Khaleda Zia's Funeral in Dhaka Today?
Synopsis
EAM S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, representing India. Zia passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. PM Modi expressed condolences, recognizing her contributions to Bangladesh and India. Read on for more insights into this significant event.
Key Takeaways
Khaleda Zia's legacy as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh will be remembered.
Jaishankar represents India at her funeral, emphasizing diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Zia's significant contributions to India-Bangladesh relations.
Zia battled numerous health issues leading up to her death.
Her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics.
New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will serve as the representative for the government and citizens of India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia, the inaugural female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Wednesday.
Zia, who held the Prime Ministerial office three times and was a long-standing chairperson of the BNP, passed away early Tuesday morning following a long-term illness at the age of 80.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that EAM Jaishankar will be arriving in Dhaka on Wednesday to pay his respects at the funeral of the late leader.
The statement released by Zia's party indicated that she passed away around 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment for over a month.
Admitted to the private hospital on November 23, Zia faced severe complications related to her heart and lungs.
Reports suggest that she was also contending with pneumonia during her last days and remained under stringent medical supervision for 36 days, with her health being described as fragile by healthcare professionals.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson, honoring her as a historic figure whose contributions to both Bangladesh and its relationship with India will be remembered.
"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and the people of Bangladesh," PM Modi stated in a condolence message on X.
"As the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her significant contributions toward the development of Bangladesh and the India-Bangladesh relationship will forever be cherished. I fondly recall our warm meeting in Dhaka in 2015. We hope her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," he added.
Khaleda Zia battled numerous chronic health issues over the years, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and persistent complications affecting her kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyesight.
A team of specialists, both local and international, managed her treatment, which included doctors from the United Kingdom, United States, China, and Australia.
Earlier this month, there were attempts to transport her overseas for advanced medical care, but doctors ultimately deemed her condition too fragile for international travel.
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the passing of Khaleda Zia, a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics. Her leadership and influence shaped the nation's trajectory significantly. The presence of EAM Jaishankar at her funeral underscores the importance of India-Bangladesh relations and the respect held for Zia's contributions, which will echo in the memories of both nations.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the health issues that Khaleda Zia faced?
Zia faced numerous chronic ailments, including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, and complications affecting her heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyesight.
Why is EAM S. Jaishankar attending the funeral?
EAM S. Jaishankar is attending to represent the Indian government and express condolences for Zia's passing, highlighting the importance of India-Bangladesh relations.
What did PM Modi say about Khaleda Zia?
PM Modi expressed deep sadness over her passing, recognizing her contributions to Bangladesh's development and the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
When did Khaleda Zia pass away?
Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday morning, December 31, after a prolonged illness.
