DHAKA: Saima Wajed, the daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Southeast Asia head of the World Health Organization (WHO), has resigned from her position following allegations of fraud.
According to international news agencies, Wajed stepped down on Wednesday after investigations into allegations of financial misconduct were initiated by both Bangladeshi authorities and the United Nations agency.
A statement issued by WHO confirmed that a committee had recommended her removal from the post just a day prior to her resignation. Wajed had assumed the role in 2024 for a five-year term but was placed on unpaid leave late last year.
Previously, in July 2025, she was also sent on leave amid accusations of deception and forgery by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, which alleged misconduct related to her activities.
Wajed has faced serious allegations, including financial fraud related to travel to China, misrepresentation regarding her academic credentials, and illegal land acquisition in Bangladesh. She has vehemently denied all charges.
In her resignation letter addressed to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Wajed stated that she had purchased the land prior to her joining WHO and that her ownership was legal under Bangladeshi law, citing her family’s ties to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father, and her family’s privileges.
The ongoing investigation continues to cast a shadow over her career and the credibility of her role at the global health agency.
