Dhaka/Islamabad, January 1, 2026: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has disclosed details of his recent interaction with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in Dhaka, saying it was the Indian side that initiated high-level contact with Pakistan following the May conflict.
Speaking to a private news channel, Sadiq, who represented Pakistan at the funeral prayer of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, said multiple foreign delegations were present at Bangladesh’s parliament when the Indian delegation, led by Jaishankar, entered a waiting room.
According to the National Assembly speaker, delegations from Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan, along with Bangladeshi officials, were already seated when the Indian minister arrived. He said Jaishankar first greeted other delegations before deliberately approaching him and initiating a handshake.
“I was speaking with Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh when he came up to me, greeted me and introduced himself,” Sadiq said. “As I was about to introduce myself, he said, ‘Excellency, I recognise who you are and there is no need to introduce yourself.’”
Sadiq noted that cameras were accompanying the Indian foreign minister, indicating that Jaishankar was fully aware the interaction would be recorded and reported by the media.
“He knew exactly what he was doing and that it would be covered by the media,” the speaker said, adding that the interaction immediately drew the attention of everyone present in the room.
Describing Jaishankar as a “shrewd politician,” Sadiq said the Indian minister clearly understood the significance and optics of the moment.
Warm reception in Bangladesh
The National Assembly speaker also spoke about the warm and enthusiastic reception he received during his visit to Bangladesh. He said crowds chanted slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “I Love Pakistan” during his presence at the funeral events.
Sadiq said that as he travelled to the funeral venue, the vehicle carrying him displayed a Pakistani flag, prompting people along the route to wave and greet him upon recognising the flag.
“Due to security concerns, we were advised not to lower the car window. But I did so, and people rushed forward with cameras to take pictures,” he said.
He added that many people attempted to shake hands and greet him despite not knowing him personally, but were aware that he was representing Pakistan.
“Police kept pushing them back, but they kept coming forward again,” Sadiq said, describing the overall reception in Bangladesh as “remarkably enthusiastic” and emotionally charged with expressions of goodwill towards Pakistan.
