Jaishankar’s Dhaka Visit Signals New Chapter in India–Bangladesh Ties
Bangladesh envoy highlights scope for deeper partnership after EAM meets Tarique Rahman
- EAM Jaishankar wraps up four-hour Dhaka visit
- Meets BNP Acting Chair Tarique Rahman, conveys PM Modi’s condolences
- Bangladesh High Commissioner speaks of “new chapter” in ties
- Visit held during Khaleda Zia’s state funeral
GG News Bureau
Dhaka, 31st Dec: As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his whirlwind four-hour visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah on Wednesday underlined the scope for deepening bilateral ties, guided by shared interests, pragmatism and mutual interdependence.
Hamidullah’s remarks came after Jaishankar held a brief meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, during which the future trajectory of India–Bangladesh relations was discussed.
Posting on X, Hamidullah said both countries would “look forward to script a new chapter in Bangladesh–India ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence.”
Jaishankar was in Dhaka to represent India at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Upon arrival, he met Tarique Rahman and handed over a personal condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said he conveyed the deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India and expressed confidence that Khaleda Zia’s vision and values would continue to guide the development of bilateral ties.
Hamidullah also shared images of the meeting, noting that Jaishankar acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s contribution to democracy and expressed optimism about strengthening India–Bangladesh relations following the country’s democratic transition ahead of the February 2026 elections.
Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and long-time BNP chairperson, passed away early Tuesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. She was laid to rest with full state honours on Wednesday beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed deep sorrow over her demise, remembering her as a historic leader whose contributions to Bangladesh and India–Bangladesh relations will always be remembered.
