Daughter of Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina stands accused by national authorities, facing arrest if she returns from WHO post in India

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Saima Wazed, director of its South-East Asia regional office, is “on leave” following serious accusations of financial fraud. Wazed, who is the daughter of Sheikh Hasina—Bangladesh’s former premier now serving as an opposition leader—was charged in March by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The charges allege misappropriation of funds during her tenure at a domestic health charity, raising questions about governance and accountability at the UN agency.

According to ACC filings, Wazed is accused of embezzling over $1.5 million from the Bangladesh Development Foundation, a nonprofit she co-founded in 2012. The Commission alleges that the funds, intended for autism awareness programmes and health outreach in rural districts, were diverted to personal accounts and shell companies. Wazed has denied all wrongdoing, describing the charges as politically motivated and aimed at undermining her mother’s political base.

The controversy has placed the WHO in a delicate position. In a brief statement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed Wazed’s leave status, emphasising the agency’s commitment to transparency and due process. “As with any allegation of this nature, we will fully cooperate with the investigations and ensure an impartial review,” the statement read. Angela Martini, WHO spokesperson, added that an interim director has been appointed to maintain continuity of regional operations.

Saima Wazed assumed her WHO post in late 2023, bringing two decades of experience in mental health advocacy. She holds a PhD in psychology and has led several international initiatives on autism and disability rights. Observers note that her appointment was seen as a strategic win for Bangladesh’s global health influence, reflecting the country’s robust development partnerships with the UN system.

Bangladeshi authorities say they first opened inquiries into Wazed’s charity in 2022 after whistle-blowers provided financial records indicating irregular transactions. In a televised press conference, ACC Chairman KM Ali stated: “No one is above the law. The evidence shows clear patterns of fund diversion that cannot be ignored.” Prosecutors have issued an international arrest warrant, warning that Wazed will be detained upon returning to Dhaka.

The allegations and subsequent leave have sparked debate over the interplay between national politics and international appointments. Critics argue that the ACC’s actions are part of a broader crackdown on figures linked to Sheikh Hasina, who lost power in 2024 after a razor-thin election defeat. Political analyst Farhana Rahman commented, “This case underscores how domestic vendettas can spill over into multilateral arenas, potentially impacting global health governance.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s ruling administration insists that the legal process will be fair and independent. Law Minister Anisul Haque affirmed that the judiciary will handle the case without political interference. Yet, international legal experts caution that Wazed’s high-profile status and the involvement of a UN body complicate matters, calling for adherence to both Bangladeshi law and UN staff regulations.

Within WHO, staff in the South-East Asia Regional Office express mixed sentiments. Some praise Wazed’s campaign to integrate mental health into primary care services, while others worry about the disruption her absence may cause. A senior regional official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We respect the ongoing legal process. Our focus now is to ensure uninterrupted support for member states amid health emergencies.”

As investigations proceed, the WHO faces scrutiny over its vetting procedures for senior appointments. The Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee (IOAC) has already scheduled a review of recruitment and compliance mechanisms, aiming to reinforce safeguards against conflicts of interest and ensure accountability in line with UN norms.

Saima Wazed’s case represents a test for multiple institutions: Bangladesh’s anti-corruption framework, UN governance standards, and the broader credibility of global health leadership. Whether the allegations are substantiated or ultimately dismissed, the episode will likely influence future dialogues on integrity, political independence, and the allocation of leadership roles in international organisations.