Regional leaders meet Tarique, express condolences
Regional leaders and envoys arrived in Dhaka today (31 December) to pay their last respects to BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
In a series of condolence meetings at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, senior representatives from neighbouring countries conveyed messages of sympathy and solidarity to Khaleda Zia's son and BNP Acting Chairperson, Tarique Rahman.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar handed over a condolence letter, expressing deep respect for Khaleda Zia, from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique during a greetings exchange at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The handover took place this afternoon, according to a post shared on the BNP verified Facebook page.
The condolence message underscores New Delhi's profound grief over the passing of Khaleda Zia, hailing her as a steadfast icon in Bangladesh's democratic journey.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani delegation arrived in Dhaka to attend the funeral of Khaleda Zia, with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressing condolences to Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
The meeting took place this afternoon, where Sadiq conveyed sympathies on behalf of Pakistan.
At that time, Nepal's Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Bhutan's Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel handed over condolence messages to Tarique.
Earlier, external affairs ministers from Sri Lanka arrived in Dhaka to attend the state funeral of Khaleda Zia.
Her funeral prayers (namaz-e-janaza) were held across the inner ground of the Jatiya Sangsad around 2pm today (31 December).
Thousands had gathered at Manik Mia Avenue since early morning to attend the janaza.
