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

Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Southeast Asia head and daughter of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned from her position amid allegations of fraud, according to her resignation letter seen by Reuters. The allegations were raised by both the U.N. agency and Bangladeshi authorities. Wazed's case highlights the impact of her father's political downfall on her family members.

The WHO confirmed that a committee had recommended her dismissal on the day before her resignation, and she was placed on unpaid administrative leave late last year. The WHO accused Wazed of financial fraud related to her travel to China and misrepresenting her academic credentials. Wazed denied these allegations, stating that she had acquired a plot of land in Bangladesh before joining the WHO and was entitled to it under Bangladeshi law.

She also mentioned that she was unable to continue her duties due to prolonged unpaid leave. The WHO said its regional committee and executive board would now consider her resignation, and two sources indicated the agency planned to hold fresh elections for the role in January.