New Delhi: India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said on December 30 that he is deeply saddened to have learnt of the passing of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.Hours later, the external affairs ministry announced that S. Jaishankar will visit Dhaka on December 31 to attend Zia’s funeral.On X, Modi wrote:“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka.“Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.”Khaleda Zia died early today, at a time when Bangladesh is in turmoil as it goes into the polls next year. Her exiled son Tarique Rahman returned to the country from the United Kingdom last week after 17 years.Modi also wrote about her contributions to Bangladesh’s politics and on their 2015 meeting, which took place one year after he became prime minister.“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.“I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership.“May her soul rest in peace.”Modi was understood to have been close to Zia’s political rival, Sheikh Hasina, of the Awami League. India is assumed to be sheltering Hasina, who fled the country after a student uprising in 2024.Hasina, meanwhile, expressed her condolences through the Awami League’s social media account. The message said:“I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered. Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.“I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul.“I convey my sincere sympathies to her son, Tarique Rahman, and to the members of her bereaved family. I also extend my condolences to the wider BNP family. I hope that Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength, and comfort to endure this difficult time.Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and his Rajya Sabha counterpart and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also posted condolence messages on X.Gandhi wrote:“Saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. Over her long career in public life, she played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political journey.“My heartfelt condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh.Kharge wrote:“On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Bangladesh’s Former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.“Throughout her long public life, she played an important role in shaping the nation’s political journey.“My sincere condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh.Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of Bengal which shares a border, a language and a common cultural identity with Bangladesh, also posted a message of condolence on social media:“Saddened by the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a prominent public leader.“I extend my condolences to her family, friends and followers.”Note: This report has been updated with reactions from more politicians and the news that Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka.