Rajnath Singh Signs Condolence Book Expressing Sorrow At Khaleda Zia’s Demise At Bangladesh High Commission

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (January 1, 2026) visited the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to sign the Condolence Book, paying tribute to former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, whose passing has drawn condolences from across the region.

“Went to the High Commission of Bangladesh in New Delhi. Signed the Condolence Book expressing our profound sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia,” Singh said in a post on X, adding that India’s thoughts were with her family and the people of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister Khaleda Zia breathed her last earlier on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) at the age of 80.

Defence Minister Singh’s Bangladesh HC visit is being seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, underscoring New Delhi’s respect for Bangladesh’s political history and its commitment to maintaining close ties with Dhaka at a moment of national mourning. The tribute follows the attendance of EAM S Jaishankar at Khaleda Zia’s funeral in Dhaka.

Khaleda Zia funeral: How did Bangladesh bid her farewell?

Bangladesh held the Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects to one of the country’s most influential political leaders. The funeral prayers were led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with senior BNP leaders overseeing the proceedings.

Following the ceremony, Begum Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

Khaleda Zia leaves behind a rich legacy

The first woman PM of Bangladesh leaves behind a formidable political legacy, having served twice as prime minister and played a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory. As the leader of the BNP and the widow of President Ziaur Rahman, she was a defining figure in the country’s post-independence politics.

Her leadership helped institutionalise competitive electoral politics in Bangladesh, even as her career was marked by intense political rivalry and polarisation. Supporters credit her with strengthening parliamentary democracy and preserving a distinct political voice during periods of upheaval.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman issued a heartfelt message thanking supporters, government officials and foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral, acknowledging the national and international solidarity shown during his mother’s final farewell. “In moments of deep personal loss, I want to thank the many individuals whose care and professionalism helped the country conduct itself through my mother’s final farewell.”