Sheikh Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed quits WHO post amid fraud allegations
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed has resigned as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia amid investigations by the UN agency and Bangladeshi authorities, media reports said.
Wazed has faced allegations of financial fraud and forgery, which she has denied.
According to The Hindu, Wazed resigned after member states recommended the termination of her appointment, bringing an early end to her five-year tenure.
Resignation follows termination recommendation
The WHO Regional Committee recommended terminating Wazed's appointment on September 8, with the recommendation due to be considered by the WHO Executive Board.
Wazed resigned the following day, on September 9, before the termination process could be completed.
Her resignation comes amid deteriorating relations between her family and the Bangladesh government that came to power after Sheikh Hasina's ouster on August 5, 2024.
Saima Wazed while she was appointed WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia in 2024. Photo: World Health Organization South-East Asia/X
Wazed accuses WHO chief of harassment
Wazed has accused WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of harassment and intimidation.
According to The Indian Express, she alleged that she was prevented from performing her duties after seeking an investigation into his conduct.
Wazed also said that remaining on unpaid administrative leave for nearly a year had made her financial situation untenable.
She has maintained that the allegations against her are unfounded.
Probe into financial fraud allegations
Wazed was placed on unpaid administrative leave in July 2025 after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission filed cases alleging corruption, fraud and abuse of power.
The WHO subsequently investigated allegations concerning financial fraud linked to a trip to China, her academic credentials and the acquisition of land in Bangladesh.
Wazed has denied the allegations.
Regarding the China trip, her lawyers said the issue involved a $901 reimbursement and resulted from an administrative error by an assistant. She has also disputed allegations concerning her academic credentials.
Wazed says investigation cleared her
In a statement reported by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Wazed said the investigation had been completed and that she believed she had been cleared of allegations of financial fraud.
She has continued to reject the allegations against her.
Who is Saima Wazed?
Wazed, 53, became WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia in February 2024 for a five-year term.
She was the first Bangladeshi and second woman to hold the position.
Following her resignation, the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office will continue to function under an officer-in-charge until a new Regional Director is appointed.
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