Foreign leaders, dignitaries unite in final tribute to Khaleda Zia

An extraordinary global and regional outpouring of respect marked the funeral of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday as foreign leaders, 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, reflecting Begum Khaleda Zia's enduring stature on the regional and international stage.

The presence of multiple foreign dignitaries transformed the solemn ceremony into a moment of shared mourning and diplomatic tribute.

Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq arrived in Dhaka in the morning representing the Government of Pakistan. He was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by senior officials of the foreign affairs ministry and the Pakistan High Commission.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also arrived in Dhaka on a special flight to attend the funeral as the representative of the Indian government, highlighting New Delhi's acknowledgement of Begum Khaleda Zia's role in Bangladesh's political history
and regional engagement.

Adding a deeply personal diplomatic dimension to the global tribute, Jaishankar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held separate courtesy meetings with BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, son of the late leader, at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to personally convey condolences.

During his meeting, Jaishankar formally handed over a condolence message from the Government of India, including a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He conveyed the deepest sympathies of the Government and people of India and later expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values would continue to guide the development of Bangladesh–India relations.

In his separate meeting, Pakistan's Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq handed over Islamabad's official condolence message to Tarique Rahman on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan. The message described remembering Khaleda Zia as an uncompromising leader committed to safeguarding independence and sovereignty.

Sri Lanka was represented by its Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who joined the funeral procession directly after arriving in Dhaka, while Nepal's Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma attended on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal to pay last respects.

Bhutan's Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel also took part in the state funeral, further reinforcing the strong regional presence at the ceremony.

A special envoy of the President of the Maldives was also among the foreign representatives.

Meanwhile, ambassadors and high commissioners from nearly 40 countries including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Canada, Australia and the European Union attended the Janaza, alongside heads of various multilateral and regional organisations.

Their collective presence reflected the wide diplomatic regard for Begum Khaleda Zia, whose long political career left a deep imprint on Bangladesh's democratic journey 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.