Saima Wazed Resigns from WHO Amid Fraud Investigations

Saima Wazed, the daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has stepped down from her role as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regional director for Southeast Asia, a position she held for less than a year. Her resignation, effective immediately, follows recommendations from member states to terminate her appointment due to ongoing fraud allegations.

Wazed took office in February 2024, after being nominated by Bangladesh and elected by the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Committee. However, her tenure has been marred by serious accusations, including fraud and forgery charges from Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission. Notably, she is accused of misrepresenting an honorary doctorate as a legitimate academic qualification in her application for the director role.

In addition to these allegations, the WHO has been investigating her travel reimbursement claims related to a trip to China. Wazed’s legal team has characterized this issue as merely an administrative oversight. Following her resignation, the WHO is set to call for nominations for her successor in October, as the Southeast Asia region, which includes ten member states, looks for new leadership.

Source: www.thehindu.com