Sheikh Hasina’s Daughter Saima Wazed on Indefinite Leave from WHO Post Amid Corruption Case

World News: Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), has been sent on indefinite leave. According to media reports, this decision was made on July 11.

This action comes four months after the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against her, accusing her of fraud, forgery, and abuse of power. The case was linked to the process through which she was appointed to the WHO post, with the ACC alleging she used her mother’s political influence and submitted questionable academic credentials.

Reaction from Bangladesh Interim Government

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, Mohammad Yunus, called this move "an important first step towards accountability." He added, “We believe a permanent solution is needed—one that removes Saima Wazed from her position, cancels all her official privileges, and restores the integrity of this role and the credibility of the United Nations system as a whole.”

WHO's Official Communication

According to sources, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus informed staff via an internal email. The message stated that Saima Wazed would be on leave starting July 11 and that Assistant Director Katharina Boehm would serve as the Officer-in-Charge during her absence. Boehm is expected to join the WHO SEARO office in New Delhi on Tuesday, July 15.

Background of the Case

Earlier this year, the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission began investigating Saima Wazed’s appointment. Reports suggest that her educational qualifications and her selection process raised serious concerns. The case has drawn wide attention due to her close ties to Bangladesh’s powerful political family.