Khaleda Zia Death / Jaishankar and Pakistani Speaker Shake Hands in Dhaka at Khaleda Zia's Funeral

A significant diplomatic event unfolded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met and exchanged handshakes. This notable interaction occurred on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, where both dignitaries had arrived to pay their respects. The meeting is being viewed as a crucial development in India-Pakistan relations, particularly given the heightened tensions between the two countries following 'Operation Sindoor' in May. This marks the first instance of such high-level leaders from both nations engaging in a public, face-to-face interaction and handshake, thereby amplifying its diplomatic significance in regional and international circles.

Diplomatic Significance and Background

The meeting holds particular importance because relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since 'Operation Sindoor' in May. Following this operation, high-level contacts between the two nations had virtually ceased, while in this context, the encounter and handshake between top diplomats from both countries at a non-political forum like Khaleda Zia's funeral could signal a small yet significant step towards normalizing future relations. It suggests that even amidst deep political differences, shared human empathy and moments of collective grief can, to some extent, bridge diplomatic divides, while this interaction comes at a time when tensions were also observed on the cricket field between the two nations, making this event even more symbolic of a potential shift in approach.

The significance of this meeting is further underscored by previous incidents of acrimony, notably during the Asia Cup cricket match where the Indian team reportedly refused to shake hands with Pakistani players. This incident sparked considerable controversy and highlighted the bitterness in sports relations between the two nations, while Also, after winning the series, the Indian team also declined to accept the trophy from ACC (Asian Cricket Council) Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and a minister in the Pakistani government. Against this backdrop of recent sporting animosity, the handshake between Jaishankar and Sadiq in Dhaka represents a welcome change. And a sign of diplomatic maturity, indicating that political stances and humanitarian engagements can sometimes operate on separate tracks.

Khaleda Zia's Funeral: A Historic Gathering

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday morning, was laid to rest at 5 PM today. She was buried in Zia Udyan, located within the Parliament complex, near the grave of her husband and former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman. An estimated 10 lakh people from across Bangladesh gathered to attend her funeral, making it the largest Janaza (funeral prayer) in the country's history. According to Bangladeshi media reports, such a massive turnout for a funeral has never been witnessed before, while this immense public gathering underscores Khaleda Zia's enduring popularity and her profound influence on Bangladesh's political landscape, reflecting the deep respect and affection she commanded among the populace.

Diverse Participation in the Mourning

Khaleda Zia's funeral witnessed participation from all segments of society. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the interim government, along with other advisors, top leaders of various political parties, representatives from different countries, and millions of ordinary citizens, united on this somber occasion. This widespread attendance served as a testament to her political legacy and her contributions to the nation. People from various parts of the country, including thousands from districts such as Noakhali, Feni, Brahmanbaria, Bhola, Bogura, and Mymensingh, traveled to Dhaka to bid their final farewell. Many were observed wearing black badges, symbolizing their deep respect and sorrow for the departed leader, highlighting the collective sense of loss felt across the nation.

National Mourning Declared by Bangladesh Government

In the wake of Khaleda Zia's demise, the Bangladesh government has declared three days of national mourning. During this period, national flags will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the country, and all official government programs will be postponed, while this decision was made in honor of Khaleda Zia, who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's political history. She had been on a ventilator in the hospital for approximately 20 days, and her health had been a matter of national concern. Her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, leaving a significant. Void in the country's political landscape and prompting a period of reflection and remembrance.

Purpose of Jaishankar's Dhaka Visit

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar specifically traveled to Dhaka to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral, while the Indian government believes that Khaleda Zia's vision and political legacy will continue to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations in the future. It was with this sentiment that Dr. Jaishankar was specially dispatched to Dhaka to represent India on this sorrowful occasion and to convey condolences to the people of Bangladesh, while according to a senior official, Dr. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka around 11:30 AM. This visit was brief and arranged at short notice, with its primary objective being to pay final respects to Khaleda Zia. He was welcomed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by senior officials. Of the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma.

Jaishankar's Meeting with Tarique Rahman

Upon his arrival in Dhaka, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of Khaleda Zia, while jaishankar shared photographs of this meeting on 'X', stating, "Upon reaching Dhaka, I met with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP and son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. I handed him a personal letter from Prime Minister Modi and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. I am confident that Begum Khaleda Zia's thoughts and ideals will continue to guide and strengthen the relations between our two countries in the future. " This meeting underscores India's respectful engagement in Bangladesh's internal political affairs and its desire to foster strong bilateral relations.

Arrival of Pakistani Speaker

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was received at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh and senior officials from the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry. His presence also indicates that Khaleda Zia's passing was a. Significant event for regional diplomacy, bringing together leaders from neighboring countries. This development highlights the importance of regional cooperation and humanitarian ties, even in the presence of existing political tensions, demonstrating a shared moment of respect that transcends national boundaries.

Funeral Proceedings

Khaleda Zia's body was brought to Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka for her Janaza. Earlier, her body was moved from her son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman's Gulshan residence, located near Khaleda Zia's private home Firoza, at approximately 11 AM with state honors and stringent security arrangements. At Tarique Rahman's residence, family members, close relatives, and party leaders paid their final tributes to Khaleda Zia. Subsequently, her body was transported to Manik Mia Avenue, where thousands of people gathered to pay their last respects and participate in the Janaza prayers. The entire process was conducted with utmost dignity and reverence, as the people of Bangladesh collectively bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved leader.