The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has disclosed that Saima Wazed, daughter of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was a Canadian citizen when Bangladesh nominated her for the position of World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for South-East Asia.
ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md Akhtarul Islam shared the findings in a statement on Sunday (26 January), revealing that an inquiry was initiated following allegations of corruption, misuse of state resources, and irregularities in her appointment.
Preliminary findings indicate that Wazed was frequently included in official state delegations without justification, and concerns have been raised regarding the legitimacy of her qualifications for the WHO role.
Furthermore, the ACC confirmed that at the time of her nomination, she was in possession of a Canadian passport.
The inquiry also highlights the alleged misuse of state funds during the 76th WHO conference in Delhi, held from 30 October to 2 November 2023.
More than a hundred Bangladeshi officials and representatives reportedly attended, resulting in substantial financial losses for the government.
ACC has uncovered further allegations against Wazed, including the illegal acquisition of a 10-katha plot in Dhaka’s diplomatic enclave within the "Purbachal New Town Project." The plot was allegedly obtained through corrupt means, leveraging her family's political influence.
A case has already been filed against her and others implicated in the matter.
Additionally, she is accused of using her foundation, Suchona Foundation, to solicit gifts and embezzle funds from various social and business institutions.
The ACC also alleges that she orchestrated fraudulent projects under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Autism Cell to siphon off state funds.
Further concerns have been raised regarding tax exemptions she allegedly secured unlawfully for the foundation, causing financial damage to the government.
The ACC statement underscores that these allegations not only implicate Wazed in financial misconduct but also pose a risk to Bangladesh’s international reputation, particularly given her high-profile WHO appointment.
The commission has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further legal action likely to follow.
