WHO places Saima Wazed Putul on indefinite leave

Saima Wazed Putul, Regional Director of the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), has been placed on indefinite leave starting yesterday (July 11), following the filing of fraud, forgery, and abuse of power cases against her by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) several months ago.

According to a report by Health Policy Watch, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notified staff through a brief internal email that Putul’s leave would take effect immediately.

He added that Dr. Catharina Boehme, WHO Assistant Director-General, will serve as Officer-in-Charge of SEARO and is expected to arrive at the regional office in New Delhi on Tuesday (July 15).

The charges against Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Sheikh Hasina, are linked to her controversial election as regional director. She took office in January 2024, but her candidacy faced allegations that her mother, who was in power at the time, used political influence to secure her win.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) began its investigation in January and filed two cases against her in March.

According to ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam, Putul is accused of providing false information about her academic qualifications during the nomination process, violating Sections 468 and 471 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which cover forgery and the use of forged documents.

She is also charged with misrepresenting her professional affiliations, including falsely claiming an honorary position at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University—a claim the university has denied.

This misrepresentation was allegedly intended to strengthen her eligibility for the top WHO position.

The ACC also accuses Putul of abusing her power to withdraw about $2.8 million from banks in the name of the Shuchona Foundation, which she led. Charges include cheating and misuse of power.

Since the case, she cannot travel within the SEARO region without risk of arrest in Bangladesh.

WHO has not commented on the allegations or her future.