Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed quits WHO amid fraud allegations - India Today

**Sheikh Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed resigns from WHO post amid fraud allegations**

Dhaka – Saima Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, submitted her resignation on Monday from her role as WHO Regional Director for Mental Health in the South‑East Asia region, citing “political targeting” after a series of media reports alleged financial irregularities in a WHO‑funded mental‑health initiative. The resignation, which will take effect immediately, was confirmed by the World Health Organization’s regional office in New Delhi, which said the decision was “accepted with regret” and that an internal audit would continue to examine the accusations. Wazed, a psychiatrist and prominent mental‑health advocate, had been appointed to the position in 2022 and had overseen several high‑profile campaigns on suicide prevention and adolescent mental‑well‑being across the region.

The allegations first surfaced in an investigative report by *India Today*, which claimed that funds earmarked for community‑based mental‑health programmes in Bangladesh and Nepal were misappropriated, leading to a shortfall of roughly $4 million. *Reuters* subsequently reported that a whistle‑blower within the WHO regional office had raised concerns about irregular procurement procedures and the possible diversion of contracts to companies with links to senior officials. The WHO’s Office of Internal Oversight Services has launched a formal inquiry, and a spokesperson said the organization “remains committed to transparency and will take appropriate action based on the findings.” Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health has neither confirmed nor denied the specifics but has urged a fair investigation, while opposition parties have seized on the episode to accuse the government of nepotism and misuse of international aid.

In a brief statement released to the press, Saima Wazed described herself as “a scapegoat in a politically motivated campaign” and expressed disappointment that “the truth of my work for mental‑health reform is being eclipsed by unfounded accusations.” She added that she will cooperate fully with any investigative body and will continue her advocacy through independent channels. The WHO, for its part, emphasized that the resignation does not prejudice the ongoing audit and that the organization will “uphold the integrity of its programmes and staff.” The development is likely to intensify scrutiny of Bangladesh’s health‑sector governance and could affect the country’s future collaborations with UN agencies.