South Asian dignitaries attend Khaleda’s funeral

The saying “life divides, but death brings us together” was perfectly reflected in some incidents surrounded by funeral programme of three-time former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Dignitaries from different South Asian nations, including those who not only rarely meet but also consider each other rivals, on Wednesday attended the event together and exchanged pleasantries, giving an idea of the position Khaleda Zia earned in the South Asian political landscape.

Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijita Herath, Bhutan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade DN Dhungyel, and Maldives’ Special Envoy of the president and Higher Education Minister Ali Haider Ahmed took part in the funeral programme.

Ahead of Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer, these six representatives from SAARC countries assembled in a designated room at the South Block of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to pay their respects.

At one point, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stepped forward to shake hands with Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and the two exchanged brief greetings.

This was the first high-level contact between the two countries since the conflict in May 2025.

Other representatives of the SAARC countries present in the designated room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban also exchanged pleasantries.

Arrived in Dhaka around 11:50am, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Tarique at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the afternoon and formally conveyed the condolence message, according to a post shared on the BNP’s verified Facebook page.

“Neighbouring country Pakistan has sent a condolence message expressing deep respect at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia – hailed as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and a ‘symbol of courage and struggle,’ an uncompromising leader committed to safeguarding independence and sovereignty,” read the Facebook post.

Meeting Tarique Rahman, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide the development of Bangladesh-India relations.

“On arrival in Dhaka, met with 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 Narendra Modi,” he wrote on his verified Facebook page after meeting BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and formally handing over the condolence message of the Indian government.

“Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership,” the post added. Leaders of other countries, except Sri Lanka, also met Tarique Rahman conveyed sympathy of their respective governments.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijita Herath later met Tarique at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office at night.

Diplomatic sources in Delhi have confirmed that Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi today to offer condolences at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia. 

Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker calls on chief adviser

Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital on Wednesday.

The information was shared on the chief adviser’s official Facebook page.

Diplomats of around 30 countries attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer

At least 30 ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of international organisations stationed in Dhaka attended the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia at Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday.

Diplomats attended the funeral included Acting US Ambassador Megan Boldin, British High Commissioner Sarah Cook, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, and European Union Ambassador Michael Miller.

Among other diplomats, there were Acting Russian Ambassador Ekaterina Semenova, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Australian High Commissioner Susan Riley, and Reto Siegfried Renggli.

In addition, ambassadors and high commissioners from the Netherlands, Libya, the Philippines, Singapore, Palestine, South Korea, Myanmar, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Indonesia, Norway, Brazil, Morocco, Iran, Algeria, Brunei, Thailand, Qatar, Denmark, and Malaysia also participated in the funeral.