Former US ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty described the upcoming verdict concerning ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as highly significant for the country’s political trajectory. Speaking to BBC Bangla, Moriarty noted that the Awami League’s uninterrupted 15-year rule was unprecedented since Bangladesh’s independence. He observed that the party had amended the constitution and altered the legal framework to consolidate power, but the current situation indicates a shift in the political landscape. Moriarty suggested that if Hasina is convicted, limited violence could occur, though it is unlikely to escalate. Conversely, if she is acquitted, he predicted widespread protests due to what he termed a prevailing sense of vengeance in the country. He added that Awami League members now face a critical juncture in determining their future political role as Bangladesh enters a period of uncertainty.