Former US Ambassador Moriarty : Today’s Verdict Holds “Major Significance” for Hasina

Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty has said in an interview that the verdict expected today carries “major significance” for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Moriarty noted that the Awami League’s ability to remain in power for 15 consecutive years was “unexpected” and unusual in the political history of post-1971 Bangladesh.

He stated that Hasina’s party amended the constitution and altered legal frameworks in an attempt to build a one-party system. But the situation is now changing, and a debate has begun over what the political future of Bangladesh might look like.

Moriarty suggested that if the verdict goes against Sheikh Hasina, some violence could occur, although he does not expect it to escalate dramatically.

Speaking about Awami League members, he said the party now stands at a critical crossroads and must decide what role it intends to play in the future politics of Bangladesh.

In response to a question about the possibility of Hasina being acquitted, Moriarty said that such an outcome could trigger widespread protests.