Saima Wazed Resigns as WHO Regional Head Amid Fraud Allegations

Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has resigned as the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for South-East Asia amid allegations of fraud and forgery being investigated by authorities. Wazed submitted her resignation on September 9, ending her tenure before the completion of her five-year term. She had assumed the WHO regional leadership position in early 2024 and was subsequently placed on administrative leave as allegations surrounding her conduct came under scrutiny.

The controversy involves several allegations, including concerns over financial claims connected to a trip to China, questions regarding her academic qualifications and an alleged irregular acquisition of land in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission has also brought cases against Wazed involving allegations of fraud and forgery.

Wazed has denied wrongdoing and disputed the allegations. According to her response through lawyers, the issue involving travel expenses was the result of an administrative error by an assistant responsible for handling reimbursement claims. She has also rejected questions about her academic background, saying that an honorary doctorate connected to her work on autism had been properly disclosed.

In her resignation letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Wazed reportedly said she had lost confidence in the organisation’s leadership. She also cited the financial difficulties caused by remaining on unpaid administrative leave for an extended period. Her resignation comes amid a wider political upheaval in Bangladesh following the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power in 2024. Several individuals linked to the former government have faced legal and corruption-related proceedings since then, adding further political sensitivity to the case involving Wazed.

The WHO is expected to begin the process of finding her successor. The election of a new regional director would be significant for the organisation’s South-East Asia region, which includes some of the world’s most populous countries and faces a wide range of public-health challenges. Wazed’s departure brings an end to a controversial period at the WHO, but the allegations against her remain disputed. While authorities have continued to examine the claims, Wazed maintains that she has not committed any wrongdoing.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.