ACC Calls for the Removal of Saima Wazed Putul from Her WHO Position

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the removal of Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from her position as the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO). The letter was sent on Sunday, January 19.

This move follows the ACC's decision on January 15 to investigate the alleged corruption surrounding Saima Wazed Putul's appointment as the WHO Regional Director. 

ACC Director-General Mohammad Akhtar Hossain has stated that Putul was appointed to the position despite lacking the necessary qualifications, allegedly due to the influence of her mother, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In addition, the ACC has filed a case against Putul for alleged abuse of power and corruption related to the allocation of plots in the Purbachol area.

Earlier, on October 30 of the previous year, the Chief Advisor's Press Wing announced that the Bangladeshi government no longer wished to collaborate with the WHO through Putul, citing financial and criminal charges against her. As a result, the government sent a letter to the WHO requesting direct engagement with the organization.

Saima Wazed Putul was appointed as the WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia in February 2024.