New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- Former diplomat Suresh K Goel on Thursday noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Dhaka to attend the funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia was an important step towards restoring normal political dialogue between India and Bangladesh amid strained bilateral ties.

Speaking about the visit, Goel said that while it could be viewed as a protocol engagement, it carried deeper political significance given Khaleda Zia's role in Bangladesh's political history and India's past engagement with her government.

He noted that despite periodic irritants, India and Bangladesh had earlier shared a "pleasant and effective relationship", and restoring such engagement remains important for both...