In a significant global development, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that Saima Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Regional Director of WHO’s South-East Asia Region (SEARO), has been placed on leave amid a growing controversy involving allegations of fraud, forgery, and abuse of power.

The action follows the filing of formal cases by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against Saima Wazed. This move has cast a shadow over the integrity of international health leadership, given her high-profile role and familial ties to Bangladesh’s ruling elite.

WHO’s Official Response

In a written response to news agency ANI, WHO stated:

“WHO's Regional Director, SEARO, Saima Wazed, is currently on leave.”

The organisation further announced that Dr Catharina Boehme will assume charge as Officer-in-Charge during Wazed’s absence. When asked for elaboration regarding the reasons for this action, WHO added:

“We have no further comment at this time.”

This evasive response has only heightened speculation surrounding the scope of the investigation and the nature of the allegations.

Background of the Allegations

The charges filed against Saima Wazed include fraud, forgery, and misuse of authority, with documents and testimonies reportedly pointing toward irregularities in official appointments, contract allocations, and administrative decisions during her tenure at WHO SEARO.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, under the interim government, has taken a tough stance against alleged misuse of power by figures associated with the previous administration. The Saima Wazed case has emerged as a major flashpoint in this crackdown.

The allegations are seen not merely as a domestic issue but one with global implications, due to Wazed’s prominent post within the United Nations health body, where she has served since early 2024.

Bangladeshi Government’s Reaction

Responding to WHO’s decision, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam took to Facebook, stating:

“We welcome the World Health Organisation's reported decision to place Saima Wazed on indefinite leave amid ongoing investigations into serious allegations of fraud, forgery and abuse of power.”

He further emphasized the need for permanent removal, stating:

“We firmly believe that a permanent resolution is necessary, one that removes Ms. Wazed from her position, revokes all associated privileges and restores integrity to this prestigious role and the credibility of the UN system as a whole.”

Alam also added that transparency and accountability must prevail:

“The people of Bangladesh and the global public are happy to see the emergence of transparency, honesty, and justice.”

About Saima Wazed and Her Role at WHO

Saima Wazed is a licensed school psychologist and a globally known advocate for autism awareness. She has served as the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia (SEARO) since early 2024. Her appointment was controversial from the start, with critics arguing that it lacked transparency and was influenced by political connections.

Despite her background in psychology, many public health experts questioned her suitability to lead an international health region encompassing 11 countries, with major challenges like pandemic response, vaccine delivery, and health system strengthening.

Leadership Transition at WHO SEARO

With Saima Wazed now on leave, Dr Catharina Boehme, a seasoned WHO official with a strong track record in global public health strategy, will serve as the acting Regional Director.

Dr Boehme is expected to arrive at the WHO SEARO headquarters in New Delhi by July 15, where she will oversee operations during the ongoing investigation.

Analysts believe that Boehme’s appointment is a stabilising move by WHO aimed at preserving continuity in regional health efforts while distancing the organisation from the political fallout surrounding Wazed.

Calls for Institutional Reform and Transparency

The case has reignited discussions about political interference in international organisations, especially the United Nations system. Multiple international watchdogs and civil society groups have called for:

• Greater scrutiny of senior-level appointments in UN bodies

• Transparent investigation mechanisms for alleged misconduct

• Stricter conflict-of-interest policies for relatives of sitting heads of state

A health policy expert with ties to WHO, speaking anonymously, said:

“This is a wake-up call. The UN system must ensure that leadership appointments are made solely based on merit, not political lineage. Otherwise, its credibility will continue to erode.”

Implications for Bangladesh’s Political Landscape

Saima Wazed’s situation has further complicated the political climate in Bangladesh, where the interim government is already at odds with elements of the former administration. The legal action against Wazed is seen as part of a broader clean-up campaign against alleged systemic corruption, and it is being closely watched both domestically and internationally.

Observers believe that this could undermine Sheikh Hasina’s influence on international platforms, particularly within the UN, where her daughter held a prominent role.

Conclusion

The World Health Organisation’s decision to place Saima Wazed on leave amid serious allegations of fraud, forgery, and power misuse marks a watershed moment for both global health governance and Bangladeshi politics. While WHO has refrained from making a detailed statement, the move signals that no individual is above accountability, even at the highest levels of international health administration.

With an investigation underway and Dr Catharina Boehme stepping in as interim leader, attention now turns to whether this is merely a temporary step—or the beginning of systemic reforms within WHO and its regional offices.

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