Bangladesh interim government wants Sheikh Hasina's daughter removed from WHO

Bangladesh’s interim government is moving to remove Saima Wazed, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from her post as World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia.

Saima Wazed is based in Delhi and is a psychologist by training. She was confirmed as the WHO Regional Director on January 23, 2024 by the WHO Executive Board in Geneva.

But the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh is investigating her on corruption charges. An official said, “ACC has taken steps to remove Saima Wazed from WHO. All preparations are done to send letters to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take necessary action to remove her.”

In August last year, student-led protest compelled the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down from power after weeks of protests that killed more than 600 people. Hasina, 76, fled to India and returned to power an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Even with the change of government, a lawyer in Dhaka said, "If someone is elected after a country's nomination to a UN body, he or she remains in position in his or her individual capacity even if the country's government falls."

The political turmoil in Bangladesh has also spilled over to international politics. Recently, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer took another dent with the resignation of anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq. Siddiq, 42, happens to be the niece of the Bangladeshi suspect Sheikh Hasina.

Siddiq said on X, “An independent review has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code and there is no evidence to suggest I have acted improperly. But to avoid distraction for the Government, I have resigned as City Minister.” 

She also said her family connections were disclosed and she recused herself from matters related to Bangladesh to avoid any perception of conflict of interest.

Hasina who fled Bangladesh last year has been staying in India since August 5. The results were so severe that they affected the political situation widely across Bangladesh and gained international attention. Despite the probe and political turmoil, Wazed is still in her job at WHO as the case continues.