South Asian leaders and top officials gathered in Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, marking a rare moment of high-level regional engagement with Bangladesh.
The turnout underscores the late leader's contribution to democracy and regional politics.
India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Nepal's Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Maldives Minister for Higher Education and Labor Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, and Bhutanese Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel were among the distinguished guests.
Dr Jaishankar personally delivered a condolence message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, marking the first visit by an Indian diplomat to Bangladesh since August 5, 2024.
Pakistan's Sardar Ayaz Sadiq handed over Islamabad's message of respect, hailing Khaleda Zia as the "Mother of Democracy" and a "symbol of courage and struggle."
Nepal's Bala Nanda Sharma, who arrived on the night of December 30, reflected Kathmandu's deep appreciation for Khaleda Zia's role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Bhutan's Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Sri Lanka's Vijitha Herath, and the Maldivian envoy Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed also attended to pay tribute to the former prime minister.
In addition to South Asian leaders, a host of ambassadors, high commissioners, and international organization heads based in Dhaka joined the janaza, including representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, China, European Union, Japan, Canada, Australia, Russia, and over 20 other countries.
The significant presence of regional and global dignitaries at Khaleda Zia's funeral highlights her enduring stature in Bangladesh's political history and her influence in shaping South Asian diplomacy.
