Thursday, 01 January, 2026
An extraordinary outpouring of respect marked the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Wednesday, as foreign dignitaries, envoys, and heads of international organisations gathered in Dhaka to honour the legacy of the veteran Bangladeshi stateswoman.
The Namaz-e-Janaza, held at Manik Mia Avenue, drew senior representatives from South Asia and beyond, underscoring Begum Khaleda Zia’s enduring stature on the regional and global stage. The presence of multiple foreign leaders transformed the solemn ceremony into a moment of shared mourning and diplomatic tribute.
Representing Pakistan, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq arrived in Dhaka in the morning and was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan High Commission, reflecting Islamabad’s respect for the late leader’s political legacy.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also flew in on a special flight to attend the funeral on behalf of the Indian government, signalling New Delhi’s recognition of Begum Khaleda Zia’s pivotal role in Bangladesh’s political history and regional engagement.
Adding a personal diplomatic dimension, both Jaishankar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held separate courtesy meetings with BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to convey condolences personally.
During his meeting, Jaishankar handed over a condolence message from the Government of India, including a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing the deepest sympathies of the Government and people of India. He also noted his confidence that Khaleda Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide Bangladesh–India relations.
In a parallel meeting, Pakistan’s Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq delivered Islamabad’s official condolence message to Tarique Rahman on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, describing Begum Khaleda Zia as an unwavering leader committed to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
Sri Lanka was represented by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who joined the funeral procession shortly after arriving in Dhaka. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma attended on behalf of his government and people, while Bhutan’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel also participated, reinforcing the strong regional presence at the state funeral. A special envoy from the President of the Maldives completed the regional delegation.
Ambassadors and high commissioners from nearly 40 countries—including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Australia—attended the Janaza, alongside representatives of the European Union and heads of several multilateral and regional organisations.
Their collective presence reflected the wide diplomatic respect commanded by Begum Khaleda Zia, whose long political career left a lasting imprint on Bangladesh’s democratic evolution and its relations with neighbouring and friendly nations.
The convergence of global and regional leaders in Dhaka stood as a solemn international salute to one of Bangladesh’s most towering political figures, symbolising both mourning and recognition of her enduring legacy.
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An extraordinary outpouring of respect marked the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Wednesday, as foreign dignitaries, envoys, and heads of international organisations gathered in Dhaka to honour the legacy of the veteran Bangladeshi stateswoman.
The Namaz-e-Janaza, held at Manik Mia Avenue, drew senior representatives from South Asia and beyond, underscoring Begum Khaleda Zia’s enduring stature on the regional and global stage. The presence of multiple foreign leaders transformed the solemn ceremony into a moment of shared mourning and diplomatic tribute.
Representing Pakistan, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq arrived in Dhaka in the morning and was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan High Commission, reflecting Islamabad’s respect for the late leader’s political legacy.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also flew in on a special flight to attend the funeral on behalf of the Indian government, signalling New Delhi’s recognition of Begum Khaleda Zia’s pivotal role in Bangladesh’s political history and regional engagement.
Adding a personal diplomatic dimension, both Jaishankar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held separate courtesy meetings with BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to convey condolences personally.
During his meeting, Jaishankar handed over a condolence message from the Government of India, including a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing the deepest sympathies of the Government and people of India. He also noted his confidence that Khaleda Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide Bangladesh–India relations.
In a parallel meeting, Pakistan’s Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq delivered Islamabad’s official condolence message to Tarique Rahman on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, describing Begum Khaleda Zia as an unwavering leader committed to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
Sri Lanka was represented by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who joined the funeral procession shortly after arriving in Dhaka. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma attended on behalf of his government and people, while Bhutan’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel also participated, reinforcing the strong regional presence at the state funeral. A special envoy from the President of the Maldives completed the regional delegation.
Ambassadors and high commissioners from nearly 40 countries—including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Australia—attended the Janaza, alongside representatives of the European Union and heads of several multilateral and regional organisations.
Their collective presence reflected the wide diplomatic respect commanded by Begum Khaleda Zia, whose long political career left a lasting imprint on Bangladesh’s democratic evolution and its relations with neighbouring and friendly nations.
The convergence of global and regional leaders in Dhaka stood as a solemn international salute to one of Bangladesh’s most towering political figures, symbolising both mourning and recognition of her enduring legacy.
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