The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Saima Wazed, daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Regional Director for WHO’s South-East Asia Region (SEARO), has been placed on leave amid serious corruption allegations.
In a response to ANI, the WHO stated simply: “WHO’s Regional Director, SEARO, Saima Wazed, is currently on leave.”
The organization also announced that Dr Catharina Boehme will serve as Officer-in-Charge during Wazed’s absence. When questioned further about the reason behind the leave, WHO responded: “We have no further comment at this time.”
Reports suggest the move comes following fraud, forgery, and misuse of power charges filed against Wazed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The WHO has not officially linked the leave to these allegations.
Dr Boehme is expected to arrive at the SEARO headquarters in New Delhi on July 15 to assume temporary leadership.
Reacting to the development, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, wrote on Facebook: “We welcome the World Health Organisation’s reported decision to place Saima Wazed on indefinite leave amid ongoing investigations into serious allegations… We view this as an important first step toward accountability.”
Alam further urged WHO to go beyond temporary measures, stating: “A permanent resolution is necessary—one that removes Ms. Wazed from her position, revokes all associated privileges, and restores integrity to this prestigious role and to the credibility of the UN system.”
He concluded by expressing hope that this move signals a step forward for transparency and justice, both in Bangladesh and within global institutions.