ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is due to travel to Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral of Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia, a move that highlights a recent thaw in relations between the two South Asian countries after decades of unease.

Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and a key political figure for decades, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said. Her death prompted messages of condolence from leaders across the region, including Pakistan’s prime minister.

“The Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, will depart for Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday,” Pakistan’s National Assembly said in a post on social media platform X on Tuesday. “The National Assembly Speaker will attend the funeral prayers of Bangladesh’s former prime minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.”

“The Speaker will also convey condolences to Khaleda Zia’s family on behalf of the government, parliament and the people of Pakistan,” it added. “Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will also meet senior officials of Bangladesh’s interim government.”

Sharif had earlier described Zia as a “committed friend of Pakistan,” praising her role in Bangladesh’s political life and expressing solidarity with the Bangladeshi people during what he called a difficult moment.

Zia, who served three terms as prime minister, led the BNP and remained a central figure in Bangladeshi politics despite years of ill health and imprisonment under the government of her longtime rival, Sheikh Hasina. She was released last year following Hasina’s ouster after a violent uprising.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that has long cast a shadow over bilateral ties. Relations remained largely strained for decades, shaped by historical grievances and political mistrust.

However, Islamabad enjoyed comparatively warmer ties with Dhaka during Zia’s tenure than under Hasina.

Engagement between Islamabad and Dhaka has increased since Hasina’s removal and the formation of an interim administration, with both sides signaling interest in improving political, diplomatic, economic and security ties.