Dhaka, Nov. 27 -- The nation holds its breath as a Special Judge's Court in Dhaka prepares to announce a verdict in unprecedented corruption cases implicating Sheikh Hasina and her immediate family.

The former prime minister, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during July Uprising, and her children -- Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul -- are accused of exploiting state power to secure Purbachal New Town plots, in a case highlighting alleged collusion, bribery, and abuse of authority at the highest levels.

Prosecutors are pressing for life imprisonment, while Hasina's family remains outside the country, leaving the trial to unfold in their absence.

The verdict, set for Thursday, may mark the most consequential corruptio...