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WHO’s Saima Wazed placed on indefinite leave amid graft probe
Saima Wazed Putul
Saima Wazed Putul, the regional director for the WHO South East Asia Regional Office, has been placed on indefinite leave starting yesterday.
This decision comes four months after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed cases against her for allegations including fraud, forgery, and misuse of power.
The WHO Director-General notified staff in an internal email that Assistant Director-General Dr Catharina Boehme will serve as the Officer in Charge during Wazed’s absence. Boehme is expected to arrive at the regional office in New Delhi soon.
The charges relate to Wazed’s campaign and appointment as regional director, a role she assumed in January 2024. Allegations include falsifying academic credentials and misrepresenting an honorary position at a medical university to secure her WHO post.
Additionally, Wazed faces accusations of using her influence to secure approximately $2.8 million from banks for the Shuchona Foundation, which she led. The ACC has charged her with cheating, forgery, and corruption under various sections of the Bangladesh Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Since the investigation began, Wazed has reportedly faced travel restrictions within the region due to the threat of arrest in Bangladesh.