2 weeks ago
Saima Wazed Seeks Independent Investigation Into WHO Leave Decision
Saima Wazed is an official at the World Health Organization.
She was chosen to lead WHO’s South-East Asia region in 2024.
WHO later put her on leave while concerns about her were being examined.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission had filed cases accusing her of corruption, fraud, and abusing power.
Wazed says WHO acted because of political pressure from Bangladesh’s former interim government.
She also says WHO did not properly explain the decision or follow fair procedures.
She has repeatedly asked for an independent investigation.
WHO says there are official channels for complaints but will not discuss her specific case.
For now, Wazed remains on leave and the job has not been officially declared open.
Saima Wazed has requested an independent investigation into her indefinite leave from the World Health Organization.
WHO placed Wazed on leave on July 11, 2025, after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed two cases against her.
Wazed alleges political interference, bias, harassment, and violations of due process by WHO.
WHO confirmed that Wazed remains on leave but declined to discuss specific cases, citing confidentiality.
Wazed remains the elected regional director, while the position has not been formally declared vacant.
- Who
- Saima Wazed, the elected World Health Organization regional director for South-East Asia; the WHO and its Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus are involved.
- What
- Wazed is seeking an independent investigation and explanation of WHO’s decision to place her on indefinite leave.
- Where
- The regional office is headquartered in New Delhi, India; the corruption cases were filed in Bangladesh.
- When
- She assumed office on February 1, 2024, and WHO placed her on leave on July 11, 2025; she has raised concerns repeatedly over the subsequent months.
- Why
- Wazed says the action resulted from political pressure, alleged procedural violations, bias, and harassment. WHO cited established complaint channels and confidentiality but did not discuss the specific case.
Wazed’s Position
WHO’s Position
Reason for leave
Wazed’s Position
Wazed alleges that WHO acted at the request of Bangladesh’s then interim government and targeted her because she is Sheikh Hasina’s daughter.
WHO’s Position
WHO has confirmed that Wazed remains on leave but has not publicly detailed the specific factors behind the decision.
Due process and investigation
Wazed’s Position
Wazed says WHO failed to explain its action, improperly dealt with Bangladeshi officials, and has not clarified whether a formal review is underway.
WHO’s Position
WHO says established channels exist for staff complaints but declines to discuss individual cases because it must maintain confidentiality.
Authority and mandate
Wazed’s Position
Wazed’s supporters argue that an executive decision altered the mandate of an elected regional director without involving the member states that selected her.
WHO’s Position
WHO has not publicly responded to those claims in the article; the organization has allowed the leave to continue while the position remains undeclared vacant.
Key facts
- WHO position
- WHO confirmed that Wazed remains on leave and said it does not comment on specific cases because of confidentiality obligations.
- Leave date
- WHO placed Wazed on indefinite leave on July 11, 2025, pending an inquiry.
- Bangladesh cases
- Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed two cases against Wazed alleging corruption, fraud, and abuse of power.
- Election result
- Wazed received eight of the 10 votes cast for regional director, including India’s vote.
- Term
- She began a five-year term on February 1, 2024.
- Current status
- Wazed remains the elected regional director, and the position has not been declared vacant.
- Wazed’s request
- Through her legal representatives, she has sought transparency and warned of possible legal action.
Sources
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