<br><br>**Bangladesh Pays Tribute Ex-PM Khaleda Zia's State Funeral Attracts Massive Crowds**<br><br>Dhaka, Bangladesh - The nation bid farewell to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia with a state funeral that drew vast crowds on Wednesday. Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia's legacy continues to shape politics in the country.<br><br>Zia, who served as prime minister three times, was the first woman to hold the position in Bangladesh. Her passing at the age of 80 marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, with her son Tarique Rahman potentially set to take over as leader if his party wins a majority in upcoming elections.<br><br>The interim government declared three days of national mourning, and an elaborate state funeral was held outside parliament on Wednesday afternoon. Flags were flown at half-mast, and a large deployment of security forces was expected across the capital, Dhaka.<br><br>Zia's body will be interred alongside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981 during his time as president.<br><br>In a statement, Tarique Rahman said that the country mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations. He added that his mother endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care, and relentless persecution, but never stopped sheltering her family with courage and compassion.<br><br>Despite suffering from a range of health issues, Zia was rushed to hospital in late November, where her condition gradually deteriorated despite treatment. Just hours before her death, party workers submitted nomination papers on her behalf for three constituencies for next year's polls.<br><br>Zia was an uncompromising leader for all the people, said activist ABM Abdul Fattah, who joined mourners outside the Dhaka hospital where the former leader died. She always wanted to restore democracy by staying in this country and by safeguarding the people.<br><br>International leaders also paid tribute to Zia's legacy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a warm message, saying that he hoped her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is due to attend the funeral.<br><br>Zia was imprisoned for corruption in 2018 under Hasina's government, which also blocked her from traveling abroad for medical treatment. She was released last year, shortly after Hasina was forced from power.<br><br>In his statement, Tarique Rahman described his mother as unbreakable, saying that she had endured much despite her physical limitations. The nation mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations, and pays tribute to Zia's unwavering commitment to her people.
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