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Saima Wazed Resigns as WHO SEARO Chief After Fraud Charges

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 2:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Saima Wazed Resigns

Saima Wazed resigned as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director on September 9, 2026.
The SEARO Regional Committee recommended her termination on September 8, 2026.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission charged her with fraud in March 2025.
Allegations include falsifying an honorary doctorate, illegal land deals, and a $901 China travel-reimbursement claim.
Her resignation ends a term that began February 1, 2024, covering health for 11 SEARO nations.

Summary

WHO Nominates Director

WHO will announce nominations for the South-East Asia Regional Director on 12 October.
Applications will be vetted in December before the election on 24 January 2027.
Dr Nilesh Buddha will remain Officer-in-Charge of the regional office pending a new appointment.
A WHO spokesperson said the nomination process is being handled with fairness and due process.
Member states including Bangladesh and India will cast votes in the upcoming election.

Summary

Wazed Charged

Wazed resigned from the WHO amid a crackdown on Sheikh Hasina’s allies after the 2024 uprising.
Bangladesh’s interim government filed March 2025 fraud charges against Wazed.
Wazed invoked a law granting land rights to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family to justify the plot.
Her departure reduces the Hasina family’s influence in regional health diplomacy.
Observers say the case could set a precedent for international agencies handling officials from volatile nations.

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Saima Wazed Resigns

Saima Wazed resigned as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director on September 9, 2026.
The SEARO Regional Committee recommended her termination on September 8, 2026.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission charged her with fraud in March 2025.
Allegations include falsifying an honorary doctorate, illegal land deals, and a $901 China travel-reimbursement claim.
Her resignation ends a term that began February 1, 2024, covering health for 11 SEARO nations.

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