Wed Dec 31 10:40:01 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

Bangladesh held a state funeral for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died at the age of 80. Large crowds gathered in Dhaka to mourn the leader, who served as prime minister three times and played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape. The event was marked by high security and a national period of mourning.

News Article:

Massive Crowds Mourn Khaleda Zia at State Funeral in Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh bid farewell to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia today in a state funeral that drew massive crowds to the streets of Dhaka. Zia, who served as the nation’s first female prime minister and led the country three times, died Tuesday at the age of 80.

Flags flew at half-mast across the country as thousands of security personnel lined Dhaka’s streets, accompanying her flag-draped coffin to the parliament building. People streamed into the capital from across Bangladesh, gathering on Manik Mia Avenue to pay their last respects to the veteran politician.

“I came here with my grandson, just to say goodbye to a veteran politician whose contributions will always be remembered,” said Minhaz Uddin, a 70-year-old retired government official who, despite never having voted for her, felt compelled to attend.

Zia, widow of former president Ziaur Rahman, entered politics following her husband’s assassination. She rose to prominence in the opposition against a military ruler, eventually leading to the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1991. She first became prime minister after a landslide victory that year and remained leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) until her death.

Known for her calm demeanor, Zia maintained a long-standing and often contentious rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Bangladesh Awami League.

Authorities deployed approximately 10,000 security personnel, including soldiers, to maintain order during the funeral procession and prayers. The interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has declared three days of mourning and designated today as a public holiday in honor of Zia’s legacy.

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