Dhaka, Nov. 17 -- Bangladesh stands on the edge of a reckoning unlike any in its history -- a judgment of law, but also a moment of profound political reckoning.

On Monday, the very court that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina established to try the war crimes of 1971 is due to deliver its most consequential ruling yet: a decision on whether Hasina herself is guilty of "crimes against humanity" for her alleged role in the brutal crackdown on the July 2024 student uprising.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, and comprising Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will hand down the verdict.

Prosecutors have sought the death pena...