Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the spirit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remains alive and must be revived at any cost, noting that the presence of high-level dignitaries from member states at former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral demonstrated continued regional goodwill.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared the remarks at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy on Thursday.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present.

According to Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser conveyed the same message to visiting foreign dignitaries during meetings held at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday and Thursday.

The dignitaries, representing Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka, expressed appreciation for the arrangements and said they were overwhelmed by the massive public turnout at the funeral.

Quoting Prof Yunus, the press secretary said the continued presence and participation of South Asian leaders proves that the spirit of SAARC is “alive and well” and should be preserved and strengthened.

SAARC was established through the signing of its charter in Dhaka on December 8, 1985, and currently includes eight member states; Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its secretariat was set up in Kathmandu in January 1987.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain described the participation of South Asian dignitaries as a positive gesture reflecting Khaleda Zia’s stature and acceptance across the region.

“She enjoyed accessibility, respect and dignity not only in Bangladesh but also across South Asia,” he said while speaking to reporters at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral and paid their respects were Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepalese Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Bhutanese Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Maldivian Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed.

Clarifying speculation over bilateral discussions, Adviser Touhid Hossain said there was no one-on-one meeting with India’s foreign minister.

“It was purely a courtesy interaction in the presence of other dignitaries. No bilateral issues were discussed,” he said.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman also met the visiting dignitaries on Wednesday.

The advisers thanked them for standing in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during the period of national mourning, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said.

BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Wednesday afternoon.

She was buried with state honours following her namaz-e-janaza at South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Family members, senior government officials, foreign guests, diplomats and political leaders were present at the burial.

Khaleda Zia was accorded a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment and a wreath was placed on her grave on behalf of the Chief Adviser.