Sydney, August 18 – Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks over her health and current situation in New Delhi. Claims circulating in social media and elsewhere have ranged from reports of serious illness to unverified assertions about her whereabouts and even her survival.
Against this backdrop, Dr Mohammad Sirajul Haque, a prominent Australia based lawyer and President of Australia Awami League, has offered his personal account after meeting Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi for nearly five and a half hours.
Dr Haque met Sheikh Hasina on July 12, 2026, in New Delhi, where they spent time together from 11:00 am until approximately 4:30 pm. Following his return to Australia, he spoke exclusively to Foreign Bangla about her physical and mental condition, her assessment of Bangladesh’s political situation, the state of the Awami League and her thoughts about the country’s future.
The following are excerpts from the interview.
Question: How long did you meet Sheikh Hasina in Delhi, and how did she appear to you in person?
Dr Sirajul Haque: We were with her from 11:00 am until around 4:30 pm. During those nearly five and a half hours of conversation, I found her completely normal, cheerful and energetic. From the way she spoke, her thoughts and her continued interest in Bangladesh, I felt that she was extremely confident and determined.
Question: What issues received the most attention during your discussions?
Dr Sirajul Haque: She listened very attentively to everyone who spoke. We discussed Bangladesh’s overall political situation, the organisational condition of the Awami League, the role of expatriate party members and supporters, and the future of Bangladesh in considerable detail.
Her deep affection for the people of Bangladesh was evident throughout the conversation. So was her continued commitment to democratic politics and development.
Question: There has been considerable speculation about Sheikh Hasina’s physical and mental health.
What did you observe at close quarters?
Dr Sirajul Haque: I spent a considerable amount of time with her. From my personal observation, I did not find her ill or physically weak. On the contrary, she appeared completely normal, energetic and engaged.
Those spreading various rumours and misleading information about her condition are, in my view, far removed from the reality I personally witnessed.
Question: What appeared to be Sheikh Hasina’s principal concern at present?
Dr Sirajul Haque: Her sense of responsibility towards the country and its people remains at the centre of her thoughts. She did not appear preoccupied with personal matters. Her principal concerns were Bangladesh’s democracy, the country’s development and the welfare of its people.
Question: Did she have any particular message for Awami League leaders and supporters?
Dr Sirajul Haque: She remains deeply concerned about the party’s leaders and supporters. She asked about people at different levels of the organisation and emphasised the importance of maintaining their morale during this difficult period.
She believes that the people are the Awami League’s greatest source of strength. At the same time, she urged everyone to remain united and, despite the difficult circumstances, to stay patient, exercise political judgment and organisational discipline, and remain connected to the people.
Question: What was your personal impression after spending such a long period with her?
Dr Sirajul Haque: I was deeply inspired by the meeting. I saw no sign of frustration or despair in her. Rather, I saw remarkable confidence, determination and a deep attachment to Bangladesh.
She remains hopeful. She believes that the people of Bangladesh will ultimately stand for truth, justice and development.
Question: What is your response to the rumours surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s health?
Dr Sirajul Haque: I was with her for several hours and had the opportunity to observe her directly. Based on my personal experience, I did not find her ill or physically weak.
The rumours and misleading information circulating about her do not correspond with what I personally witnessed. Her concern for the people of Bangladesh, her energy and her mental resilience remain strong.
Question: What is your overall assessment of Sheikh Hasina after the meeting?
Dr Sirajul Haque: I found her to be highly confident, determined and resolute. Her affection for the people of Bangladesh and her desire to continue working for the country remain very strong.
After spending such a long time with her and listening to her views, I personally came away from the meeting with a renewed sense of optimism.
Who Was Present at the Meeting?
According to Dr Sirajul Haque, the extended meeting in New Delhi on July 12 was attended by Sheikh Hasina along with Barrister Biplab Barua, Barrister Sh M Rezaul Karim, Al Noman Shamim, Gama Abdul Quader, Dr Abul Hasnat Milton, Advocate Amrin and Dr Sirajul Haque.
Dr Haque said the discussions also covered Bangladesh’s current political situation, the Awami League’s future organisational strategy and various issues concerning Bangladeshis living abroad.
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