Foreign dignitaries to attend funeral

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia today, the Foreign Ministry confirmed.

"A number of high-level dignitaries, including representatives from India, Pakistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives, will join Khaleda Zia's funeral to pay their respects. Communications with other leaders are ongoing," a senior Foreign Ministry official said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over Khaleda Zia's death. He said that as Bangladesh's first woman Prime Minister, her contributions to the country's development and India-Bangladesh relations would always be remembered. "I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership," he added.     

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy. Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. My government and the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow. May Allah SWT bless her soul. Ameen!"

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief, saying, "I extend heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. Her leadership and services will be remembered with respect. May her soul rest in peace."

Other foreign dignitaries joining the funeral include Bhutanese Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Nepalese Minister for Foreign Affairs Bala Nanda Sharma (Lt. General, Retired), and Maldives Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.