Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been sent on mandatory leave for an indefinite period by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Reason Behind the Leave: Corruption Cases in Bangladesh
According to a report by Health Policy Watch, this decision was made because Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed cases against Saima Wazed. The charges include fraud, misuse of power, and deception.
Internal Email Confirms the Decision
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus informed staff members about this decision in an internal email sent on Friday, July 11.
He stated that Saima Wazed will remain on leave starting from that day.
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Temporary Replacement Announced
Dr. Tedros also announced that Dr. Catherine Boehme, WHO’s Assistant Director-General, will temporarily take over Saima Wazed’s role.
Dr. Boehme is expected to begin her duties at WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Office in New Delhi from July 15.
Background: Disputed Appointment and Legal Issues
Saima Wazed became the Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia in January 2024. However, her appointment has been controversial from the beginning.
Many reports claimed that her selection was influenced by her mother, then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Legal Trouble Back Home
In March 2025, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Bangladesh filed two cases against her involving alleged corruption, forgery, and abuse of power.
Following these developments, WHO decided to place her on leave to allow proper handling of the situation.
Related News
Earlier, several properties and lands of Sheikh Hasina’s family, including those of Saima Wazed and Sajeeb Wazed Joy, were seized. A court-appointed receiver was also assigned to manage Saima Wazed’s seized flat.
Source: Somoy TV
