Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka this morning to attend namaz-e-janjah of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Special flight carrying Indian minister landed at Dhaka airport at 11:30am today. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma received Jaishankar at airport, Spokesperson of Indian High Commission in Dhaka confirmed to BSS.

Funeral ceremony is scheduled at Manik Mia Avenue at 2pm in Dhaka. Foreign dignitaries, political leaders and representatives from various countries are expected to attend the ceremony.

Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh for two non-consecutive terms from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006. She was Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister and led Bangladesh Nationalist Party as its chairperson.

Jaishankar's visit reflects diplomatic significance of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. His presence at funeral demonstrates India's respect for former Bangladeshi leader and recognition of her role in country's political history.

Details regarding other foreign dignitaries attending ceremony have not yet been disclosed by authorities. Security arrangements are expected to be heightened around Manik Mia Avenue for smooth conduct of funeral proceedings.