Full Breakdown
Saima Wazed Resigns as World Health Organisation’s (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Director Amid Fraud Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 9 2026 Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, submitted her resignation to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The resignation followed a recommendation by the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee on September 8 2026 to terminate her appointment. Wazed’s departure ends a five-year term that began on February 1 2024 and concludes a period of unpaid administrative leave that started in July 2025 after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed fraud and forgery charges against her in March 2025.
Background & Context
Wazed is the daughter of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August 2024 after massive student-led protests. The new interim government in Bangladesh launched investigations into members of Hasina’s family and allies, including fraud allegations against Wazed. The WHO placed her on unpaid leave in July 2025, citing concerns over alleged misconduct while maintaining confidentiality.
Timeline
- February 1 2024 – Wazed assumes office as WHO South-East Asia Regional Director for a five-year term.
- March 2025 – Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission files fraud and forgery charges against Wazed.
- July 2025 – WHO places Wazed on unpaid administrative leave.
- September 8 2026 – The Regional Committee recommends termination of Wazed’s appointment.
- September 9 2026 – Wazed resigns, citing loss of trust in WHO leadership and financial hardship.
- October 12 2026 (scheduled) – WHO plans to announce nominations for a new regional director.
- January 24 2027 (scheduled) – Election for the new regional director is slated to occur.
Data & Statistics
- The alleged travel-expense irregularity involves a reimbursement claim of US $901 for a trip to China.
- The South-East Asia region comprises 11 member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Indonesia (the latter having shifted affiliation to the West Pacific Region).
Official Statements & Responses
- WHO officials indicated that the Regional Committee and Executive Board would now consider Wazed’s resignation.
- Dr Nilesh Buddha will continue as Officer-in-Charge of the South-East Asia Regional Office pending the election of a permanent director.
- A diplomatic official, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that Bangladesh’s interim government warned WHO that inaction on Wazed could prompt Bangladesh to reconsider its affiliation with the SEARO region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was elected to the position of Regional Director in order to serve the countries in my region, which I had sincerely done,” — Saima Wazed
- “In these circumstances, I am choosing to step aside,” — Wazeb
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some unnamed sources claim Wazed continued to receive part of her salary during the unpaid leave period; this claim could not be independently verified.
- The precise legal status of the land acquisition allegation remains unclear, as the WHO’s internal investigation reportedly stalled for much of the leave period.
What’s Next
WHO plans to open nominations for the regional director role on October 12 2026, vet candidates in December, and hold an election on January 24 2027. In the interim, Dr Nilesh Buddha will oversee the office’s operations across the region’s 11 member states.
