Saima Wazed, the daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has stepped down from her role as the World Health Organization’s Southeast Asia regional director. Her resignation was prompted by ongoing investigations into allegations of fraud and forgery, both by the WHO and Bangladeshi authorities. Wazed had assumed the position in early 2024 with a term scheduled for five years.

Reportedly, her resignation followed a period of unpaid administrative leave initiated by the WHO last year. In her resignation letter addressed to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Wazed expressed a complete loss of trust in his leadership due to her inability to fulfil her duties.

In her communication to the WHO chief, Wazed stated, “I was elected to the position of Regional Director in order to serve the countries in my region, which I had sincerely done.” She further emphasised that ongoing restrictions imposed on her were a direct factor in her decision to resign, while also mentioning the dire financial impact of being on unpaid leave for nearly a year.

Details of Allegations Against Wazed

Wazed’s administrative leave commenced in July 2025, following charges filed against her by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission in March of the same year. Allegations included financial wrongdoing linked to her travel to China, as well as claims of misrepresentation regarding her academic qualifications.

In response to these accusations, Wazed has firmly denied any misconduct. She asserts that the issue regarding her travel reimbursement involved an administrative error by a subordinate concerning a claim of $901. On the matter of her academic credentials, Wazed maintained that she holds an honorary doctorate for her contributions to autism research in Bangladesh and had been open with Tedros regarding her qualifications.

Additionally, the WHO accused her of illegally acquiring land in Bangladesh. Wazed clarified that the property was obtained prior to her WHO appointment and falls under legal entitlements granted to the families of prominent historical figures, including her grandfather, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is regarded as the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Potential For New Leadership Within WHO

The circumstances surrounding Wazed’s resignation indicate the likelihood of formal proceedings for her removal from the position. Sources have suggested that the WHO may initiate a search for her successor soon. Reports suggest that nominations could begin in October, with a vetting process in December, followed by elections potentially scheduled for January 24.

The WHO has not provided immediate commentary regarding Wazed’s departure. Last month, they confirmed her ongoing administrative leave but refrained from discussing the specifics of her situation, citing confidentiality protocols.

Wazed’s resignation occurs in a broader political context, following the ousting of her mother, Sheikh Hasina, amidst a violent uprising in Bangladesh in 2024. This period has seen several associates of Hasina facing various criminal and corruption-related allegations, while she remains in voluntary exile outside the country.

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