Saima Wazed resignation from WHO leadership

Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has resigned from her position as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Southeast Asia. Her departure ends a five-year mandate that was originally scheduled to continue until 2029.

The resignation follows investigations by the WHO and Bangladeshi authorities into allegations of financial fraud, forgery, and misuse of power. Specific accusations included the falsification of academic credentials, fraud regarding travel expenses in China, and the illegal acquisition of land in Bangladesh. While Wazed has denied all wrongdoing and claimed she was being “systematically sidelined,” the WHO Regional Committee had recommended her termination on September 8.

Wazed, who had been on unpaid administrative leave since July 2025 following charges from Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, cited an “unsustainable financial situation” and a loss of confidence in WHO leadership as reasons for her resignation.

Following her departure, Nilesh Buddha will serve as Officer-in-charge of the Southeast Asia Regional Office. Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir criticized the original appointment as “very unfortunate” and a “shame,” alleging that Wazed’s position was secured through political connections rather than professional merit.