WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed (Hasina's Daughter) Steps Down Amid Investigation
What Happened
Saima Wazed, the daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asia Region, resigned from her post on September 9. Her resignation came while she was facing fraud investigations by both the WHO and Bangladeshi authorities. The WHO had placed her on unpaid leave after allegations that she committed financial fraud related to travel expenses, misrepresented academic credentials, and improperly acquired land in Bangladesh. Saima Wazed has denied all allegations.
Key Takeaways
In her resignation letter, Saima Wazed said she had "lost all trust and confidence" in WHO leadership and claimed she was unable to perform her duties while on leave. Her departure marks another fallout from the political upheaval that followed the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024.