New Delhi, 31 December (H.S.): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the government and people of India at the funeral of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on Wednesday, underscoring New Delhi's commitment to bilateral ties amid recent strains.

Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh's first female prime minister, died on Tuesday morning at age 80 after a prolonged illness at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, shortly after Fajr prayers around 6:00 a.m. local time.

Funeral Arrangements and State Honours

The funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) for Zia is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue, following Zohr prayers, with authorities anticipating a large crowd of mourners. Her body, currently at the Evercare Hospital mortuary, will be moved to her Gulshan residence in Feroze on Wednesday morning before the procession.

Burial with full state honours will occur around 3:30 p.m. beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at his mazar in Zia Udyan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar; entry will be restricted to dignitaries, with no bags or heavy items permitted for security.

International Attendance and Diplomatic Significance

Jaishankar's presence highlights India's diplomatic engagement, joined by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar among other foreign dignitaries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media, recalling his 2015 meeting with Zia in Dhaka and praying for her family's fortitude.

The visit occurs as India voices concerns over minority attacks in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, though no bilateral meetings with Yunus have been confirmed.

Zia's Final Days and Health Decline

Admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November 2025 for routine tests, Zia deteriorated rapidly due to advanced liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart and chest complications, and lung infections, requiring ventilator support from 11 December. Doctors deemed her condition extremely critical by Monday, limiting treatments owing to her age and multi-organ failure; the government had upgraded her to VVIP status with Special Security Force protection.

Her last public appearance was on 21 November at an Armed Forces Day reception in Dhaka Cantonment.

Legacy and National Mourning

Zia dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades as an unyielding rival to Sheikh Hasina, leading BNP to victories in 1991 and 2001 while championing parliamentary democracy and women's initiatives, though her governments faced corruption allegations.

The interim government announced nationwide prayers in mosques and other places of worship on Wednesday, condolence books at Bangladesh missions abroad, and full cooperation for the funeral.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended a special Advisory Council meeting, where Chief Adviser Yunus pledged state support.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar