The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the agency’s South-East Asia Regional Director, on indefinite leave following allegations of fraud and corruption raised by Bangladesh’s interim government.

According to a report by Health Policy Watch, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus informed staff via internal email that Wazed’s leave became effective since July 11. In her absence, Dr. Catharina Boehme, Assistant Director-General of WHO, has been appointed to oversee the South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO).

Allegations of Forgery and Corruption

The move follows a series of serious accusations by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which earlier this year claimed Wazed had used her mother's political influence to secure her position within the UN agency.

ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam alleged that Wazed misrepresented her academic qualifications during the nomination process for the WHO role. The accusations fall under Sections 468 and 471 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which deal with forgery and the use of forged documents.

Wazed, a psychologist by training and known for her advocacy in mental health and autism awareness, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

The case marks a rare instance of high-level international scrutiny involving a top official from the WHO and a prominent member of Bangladesh’s political elite, as the country undergoes a sensitive political transition under an interim administration.

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