The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on leave following serious corruption allegations raised by Bangladesh’s interim government. Wazed currently serves as WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia.
In a brief statement, WHO confirmed that Dr. Catharina Boehme will assume responsibilities as officer-in-charge during Wazed’s absence. “We have no further comment at this time,” a WHO spokesperson added when asked for more details.
Corruption Case Triggers WHO Action
Multiple reports indicate that Wazed was placed on leave after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against her alleging fraud, abuse of power, and forgery. The charges have sparked significant public and political scrutiny both within Bangladesh and internationally.
Dr. Boehme, currently WHO’s Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Governance, is expected to arrive at the organization’s SEARO (South-East Asia Regional Office) in New Delhi on July 15. A trained medical doctor, Boehme is widely recognized for her advocacy on women’s health, gender equity, and climate-related health policy.
Bangladesh’s Interim Government Applauds Decision
In a statement released on Facebook, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government, welcomed the WHO’s decision.
“We welcome the World Health Organization’s reported move to place Saima Wazed on indefinite leave amid ongoing investigations into serious allegations of fraud, forgery, and abuse of power,” Alam wrote.
He added that the interim government views this step as a “necessary first move toward accountability”, calling on WHO to go further by permanently removing Wazed, revoking any privileges tied to her role, and restoring “the integrity of this prestigious position and the credibility of the UN system.”
Alam concluded that the people of Bangladesh—and the international community—expect transparency and justice in the face of serious misconduct allegations.
Background
The development comes just weeks after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)—a separate but politically sensitive case that has heightened scrutiny of Hasina’s family and inner circle.
Wazed’s future at WHO now remains uncertain as the investigation continues.
