Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed deep respect and condolences over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, recalling her role in strengthening relations between India and Bangladesh.
Rajnath Singh paid his last respects at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon, January 1, and signed the condolence book kept at the mission.
In his message, he wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of India, I express my heartfelt condolences on the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Her important contribution to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations will always be remembered.”
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah welcomed the Indian defence minister upon his arrival at the High Commission.
This was the second visit by Rajnath Singh to the Bangladesh mission in New Delhi.
Earlier, on November 22, 2021, he attended an event there as chief guest to mark Bangladesh Armed Forces Day.
That visit was seen as diplomatically significant, as it went beyond usual protocol and was viewed as a reflection of the close ties between India and the then Awami League government, as well as growing military and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.