Bangladesh ex-leader dies

Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who many believed would sweep elections next year to lead her country once again, died yesterday-aged 80, her party said.

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The government declared three days of state mourning, with her funeral to be held today.

Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign in elections set for February the first vote since a mass uprising toppled her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina last year.