Dhaka, Jan. 1 -- Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has urged observers not to read diplomacy into Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Dhaka visit, saying it should be seen solely as a condolence call to attend former prime minister Khaleda Zia's funeral.

"It would be inappropriate to interpret this visit through the lens of inter-state relations or politics," Touhid told reporters on Thursday.He remarked that Khaleda commanded respect beyond Bangladesh and that participation in her last rites was "natural".

He emphasised her unique acceptance and respect among the Bangladeshi people, noting that "neighbouring countries acknowledge her stature, and all of South Asia recognises it".

Touhid's statement comes amid cooler Dhaka-Del...