Wed Dec 31 12:25:35 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article based on it:

Summary:

Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on Tuesday morning, December 30, 2025, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her funeral was held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Dhaka, drawing over a million mourners. She was buried next to her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman. The funeral was attended by prominent political figures. Zia, a key figure in Bangladeshi politics and a champion of democracy, served two terms as Prime Minister. Her death poses a significant challenge to the BNP, which she led for decades, particularly as Bangladesh enters election season. The country is observing a national holiday and three days of mourning. Condolence meetings and books are being organized both in Bangladesh and at Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India. Zia’s contributions to regional cooperation and the concept of SAARC are also highlighted.

News Article:

Millions Mourn Khaleda Zia as Bangladesh Buries Former Prime Minister

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh came to a standstill on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, as over a million people gathered in Dhaka to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was buried at the Jatiyo Sansad South Plaza beside her late husband, President Ziaur Rahman.

Zia, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics and the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for over four decades, passed away on Tuesday morning at the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a period of declining health.

The funeral prayers were attended by key political figures, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Chief Adviser of the interim administration Mohammed Yunus, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Shafiqur Rahman, and leaders of the newly formed National Citizen Party.

Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister for two full terms (1991-1996, 2001-2006) and played a pivotal role in restoring democracy in Bangladesh during the 1980s. She was known as an “uncompromising leader.”

The government has declared a national holiday and is observing three days of national mourning. The BNP has called for seven days of mourning.

Zia’s death presents a significant challenge to the BNP as Bangladesh prepares for upcoming elections. The BNP has boycotted the last three elections led by Sheikh Hasina.

Condolence meetings are planned across the country, and condolence books are available at Bangladeshi High Commissions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala.

Colleagues and followers remember Zia’s commitment to Bangladesh’s national interest and her belief in regional cooperation, particularly through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which her husband championed.

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