Hasina's daughter resigns as WHO regional head after fraud allegations
The WHO said Wazed was accused of travel fraud involving US$901 and of misrepresenting her credentials, while Bangladesh also pursued corruption charges.
- On Wednesday, Saima Wazed resigned as the World Health Organization's South-east Asia regional director, citing loss of trust in WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following fraud investigations by the UN agency and Bangladeshi authorities.
- The WHO accused Wazed of "committing financial fraud in relation to her travel to China" and misrepresenting academic credentials, while also alleging illegal land acquisition in Bangladesh, according to letters seen by Reuters.
- Placed on unpaid administrative leave late last year, Wazed denied the travel fraud allegation, characterizing it as a $901 administrative oversight, and stated her financial situation became "untenable" during suspension.
- Nominations for the regional director role begin October 12, with applications vetted in December and elections scheduled for January 24, as the UN agency reportedly planned to formally remove Wazed.
- Wazed's case reflects broader fallout from the mid-2024 ouster of her mother, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose allies face numerous criminal charges in Bangladesh amid the ongoing political transition.
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Sheikh Hasina's Daughter Saima Wazed Steps Down as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. WHO said the matter is being brought to the attention of members of the Regional Committee for Southeast Asia and the Executive Board in accordance with the organisation’s governance arrangements. World News | Sheikh Hasina's Daughter Saima Wazed Steps Down as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaSheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed resigns as WHO regional head after fraud allegations
Saima Wazed, WHO Southeast Asia head, resigned Wednesday following fraud investigations. The UN health agency had placed her on unpaid administrative leave late last year. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission filed charges alleging fraud and forgery against her. Wazed denied accusations of financial fraud and misrepresenting academic credentials. She cited financial hardship and lack of trust in leadership for her decision.
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