 "FILE- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, centre, is flanked by her daughter Saima Wazed. AP")
The World Health Organisation has sent Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, the Southeast Asia chief, on indefinite leave amid Bangladesh’s interim government’s assertion that she was involved in fraud and corruption during the former prime minister’s rule.
A report by Health Policy Watch says that the WHO Chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, informed the staff about Wazed’s indefinite leave via an email. The leave went into effect from yesterday (June 11).
His email added that Dr Catharina Boehme, WHO’s assistant director-general, would replace Wazed in taking over the office of the UN health agency’s South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO).
What are the allegations against Wazed?
Earlier this year, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Hasina’s daughter of using her mother’s influence to achieve her victory as the regional chief of the WHO.
Wazed is also alleged of misrepresenting her academic qualifications during the nomination process, according to ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam. The alleged act falls under Sections 468 and 471 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which cover forgery and the use of forged documents.
She also provided false information regarding her professional experience by claiming an honorary role at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, which has been categorically denied by the varsity.
What else has she been accused of?
Wazed has also been accused of widespread corruption during her mother’s rule in Bangladesh.
The ACC alleges that Wazed exploited her position and influence to secure approximately $2.8 million from multiple banks under the name of the Shuchona Foundation, which she previously headed.
Although the exact use of the funds remains uncertain, the charges include Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 5(2) of the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act for abuse of power.
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More ShortsInterim govt welcomes move
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has welcomed the WHO’s decision to put Wazed on leave.
“We welcome the World Health Organisation’s reported decision to place Saima Wazed on indefinite leave amid ongoing investigations into serious allegations of fraud, forgery and abuse of power. We view this as an important first step toward accountability,” Shafiqul Alam, Yunus’ press secretary, said.
He added, “We firmly believe that a permanent resolution is necessary, one that removes Ms. Wazed from her position, revokes all associated privileges and restores integrity to this prestigious role and the credibility of the UN system as a whole.”