Bangladesh measles outbreak: Death toll crosses 600 as 7 children die in 24 hours
After the latest fatalities, the cumulative number of suspected and confirmed measles-related deaths in the South Asian country has reached 601 since March 15.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to represent India at the funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
Soon after reaching the Bangladeshi capital, Jaishankar met Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Khaleda Zia’s son. During the meeting, he handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveying condolences on behalf of the government and people of India.
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In a post on X, Jaishankar said: “Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership.”
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On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.
Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi.
Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and… pic.x.com/xXNwJsRTmZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 31, 2025
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah, meanwhile, stated that Jaishankar recognised Khaleda Zia’s “contribution to democracy and expressed optimism to strengthen India Bangladesh ties following democratic transition in Bangladesh thru the upcoming election (Feb 2026).”
HE @DrSJaishankar, Hon. External Affairs Minister, in Dhaka, conveys condolences of the people | Govt of #India as #Bangladesh mourns passing of former Prime Minister #BegumKhaledaZia, recognized her contribution to #democracy and expressed optimism to strengthen ties… pic.x.com/P020Nixrfu
— Riaz Hamidullah (@hamidullah_riaz) December 31, 2025
Jaishankar is in Dhaka as India’s official representative to attend the funeral of Khaleda Zia, who was the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh and led the country for two full terms.
Also Read: Begum Zia dies, leaving behind a polarising legacy for Bangladesh
Meanwhile, Bangladesh observed a public holiday as the body of the former prime minister was brought to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, where family members and close relatives gathered to pay their last respects. The Namaz-e-Janaza is scheduled to be held later today at Manik Mia Avenue, near the National Parliament complex, with large crowds expected to attend.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is among the dignitaries expected at the funeral prayer.
Security across Dhaka has been tightened, with thousands of police and armed personnel deployed at key locations. Authorities have restricted vehicular movement along parts of the funeral route and urged the public to cooperate to ensure a dignified ceremony.
Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday at the age of 80. She had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since late November, with doctors describing her condition as fragile in her final weeks. Tributes have poured in from across South Asia and beyond, reflecting her long influence on Bangladesh’s political life and regional relations.
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