The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on leave following corruption allegations raised by the country’s interim government. Wazed currently holds the position of Regional Director for the South-East Asia Region (SEARO) at the UN health agency.
In the interim, Dr. Catharina Boehme will assume the role of officer-in-charge, WHO confirmed. When asked about the reasoning behind Wazed’s leave, the agency stated, “We have no further comment at this time.”
According to reports, the move comes after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against Wazed, accusing her of fraud, abuse of power, and forgery.
Dr. Boehme, currently serving as WHO's Assistant Director-General for External Relations & Governance since May 2023, is expected to arrive at the SEARO office in New Delhi on July 15. A trained medical doctor, she is known for her advocacy in women’s health, gender equity, and climate-related issues.
Bangladesh’s interim government welcomed WHO’s decision. In a public statement, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the move as “an important first step toward accountability” and expressed hope for a permanent resolution, including Wazed’s removal from office and the revocation of her privileges.
“The people of Bangladesh and global citizens alike are encouraged to see transparency, honesty, and justice being upheld,” Alam added on Facebook.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in prison by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in July for contempt of court.
