Sheikh Hasina's daughter resigns as WHO regional head after fraud allegations

Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned as Southeast Asia head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, according to her resignation letter shared with Reuters. The resignation came after fraud investigations by both the U.N. agency and Bangladeshi authorities. This development highlights the impact of Hasina's political downfall, which has extended to her family members, including political allies and non-allies.

The WHO stated that a committee recommended Wazed's dismissal the day before her resignation. She was placed on unpaid administrative leave late last year following charges from Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission. The allegations included financial fraud related to her travel to China and misrepresenting her academic credentials. Wazed denied these allegations.

Wazed claimed she acquired a plot of land in Bangladesh prior to joining WHO and was entitled to it under a Bangladeshi law. This law covers the families of the country's independence leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father. Despite her denial, the WHO's regional committee and executive board will now consider her resignation. The agency will announce nominations for the role on October 12, vet applications in December, and hold elections on January 24.