The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Regional Director for the South-East Asia Region (SEARO), on indefinite leave following serious corruption allegations raised by Bangladesh’s interim government.

In a statement to ANI, WHO confirmed:

“WHO’s Regional Director, SEARO, Saima Wazed, is currently on leave.”

The organization also announced that Dr. Catharina Boehme will assume responsibilities as Officer-in-Charge during this period.

“During this period, Dr. Catharina Boehme is serving as Officer-in-Charge,” WHO added.

When asked for the reason behind the decision, WHO declined to elaborate further, saying:

“We have no further comment at this time.”

The development comes after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reportedly filed multiple cases against Saima Wazed, accusing her of fraud, forgery, and abuse of power.

Dr. Boehme is expected to arrive at WHO’s SEARO office in New Delhi on July 15 to formally assume her duties.

Reacting to the news, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, welcomed the decision in a Facebook post:

“We welcome the WHO’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.”

He further emphasized the need for a permanent resolution:

“We believe Ms. Wazed should be permanently removed from her position, have all associated privileges revoked, and restore credibility to this esteemed role and the wider UN system.”

Alam concluded by stating that the move signals progress towards transparency, honesty, and justice, both for the people of Bangladesh and the international community.